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Geballe
Adam P. Geballe, MD

Adam P. Geballe, MD

  • Professor Emeritus, Human Biology Division, Fred Hutch
  • Member, Pathogen-Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center (PAM IRC), Fred Hutch
  • Professor Emeritus, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington School of Medicine
Geballe Lab

About

Dr. Adam Geballe is a board-certified physician and researcher, specializing in infectious diseases. He leads research focused on cytomegalovirus and how viruses evade the immune system, particularly in people with weakened immunity.

Background

Dr. Geballe studies the ongoing “tug of war” between viruses and the human immune system. His work focuses on cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that is usually harmless but can cause significant problems in people with suppressed immune function. As medical science has developed molecular strategies to prevent CMV infection, the virus has evolved its own methods to evade the body’s defenses. Dr. Geballe and his team identified two key CMV proteins that help the virus avoid immune detection. His research also examines how related CMV proteins function across different species and how these viral strategies evolve over time. The long-term goal of this work is to better understand how the viruses counter immune responses and to use that knowledge to improve human health.

Research Interests

The Geballe Lab studies the functions and mechanisms of genes encoded by large DNA viruses, such as cytomegalovirus and vaccinia virus, that act to promote viral growth by blocking host cell defenses.

Languages

English

Education and Experience

Fellowship, Infectious Diseases, University of California

Fellowship, Medical Microbiology (research), Stanford University

Residency, Internal Medicine, University of Chicago Hospitals

MD, Duke University

Board Certification

Internal Medicine, 1981; Infectious Disease 1984, American Board of Internal Medicine

Clinical Trials

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch physicians and researchers. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your physician can decide if a study is right for you.

View Clinical Trials

Publications

Many of our Fred Hutch physicians and researchers conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by others in their field and selected for publication to the United States National Library of Medicine, the largest medical library in the world. See scientific papers this Fred Hutch physician has written.

View Dr. Geballe's Publications

Stories

All news
Fred Hutch researchers discover an unknown soldier in defense against viruses
Fred Hutch researchers discover an unknown soldier in defense against viruses A gene better known for its role in cancer progression also plays a surprising role in mounting an immune defense against Zika virus December 8, 2025
Virologist and HIV expert Dr. Michael Emerman retires
Virologist and HIV expert Dr. Michael Emerman retires Emerman considers mentorship his most important duty in science July 10, 2025
Adam Geballe elected AAAS Fellow
Adam Geballe elected AAAS Fellow Hutch virologist honored for revealing key players in molecular ‘arms race’ between viruses and hosts November 20, 2017