Brandon L. Jutras, Ph.D.

Brandon L. Jutras, Ph.D., was a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and a member of the Center for Human Immunobiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

His research focused on the cell biology and immunopathogenesis of tick-borne bacterial infections, with particular emphasis on Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Dr. Jutras was internationally recognized for pioneering work on the unusual peptidoglycan cell wall of B. burgdorferi, including landmark discoveries showing that bacterial peptidoglycan can persist in human tissues and drive chronic inflammation such as Lyme arthritis. His laboratory integrated bacterial genetics, chemical biology, advanced microscopy, immunology, and translational animal models to uncover how bacterial cell-wall fragments shape host immune responses and disease outcomes.

His work led to high-impact publications in journals including PNAS, Nature Microbiology, Science Translational Medicine, and PLoS Pathogens, as well as multiple patents aimed at improving Lyme disease diagnostics and therapeutics. His research was supported by major funding from the NIH, Department of Defense, and private foundations. Dr. Jutras was also an award-winning mentor and educator committed to translating fundamental microbiology into advances for human health.

Galaxy Diagnostics is deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Jutras and grateful for the opportunity to have collaborated with him. His scientific contributions to Lyme disease research and diagnostic innovation will remain an important part of the foundation of this work, and we are honored to carry forward the legacy he helped build.