Aharon Freud, MD, PHD
Physician, Associate Professor
Pathology
Conditions and expertise
- Lymphomas
- Leukemia
Locations
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Academics and research
Department: Pathology
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
I am an associate professor of Pathology at The Ohio State University and a member of the Leukemia and Hematologic Malignancies Program at the OSUCCC – James. My research is focused on the investigation of human immune cells and how they may be harnessed to better fight cancer and improve patient outcomes.
I am passionate about my work in oncology because of the opportunity to improve patient care and make a difference in the lives of others. In my clinical practice as a hematopathologist at The James, I provide high quality patient care, help educate future physician-scientists and continually strive to increase our understanding of cancer through research. I am grateful to have such a fulfilling career through the pursuit of these goals.
Conditions and expertise
- Leukemia
- Lymphomas
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Residency - Pathology - Clinical
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
7/1/2011 - 6/30/2013 - Fellowship - Hematopathology
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
7/1/2010 - 6/30/2011 - Residency - Pathology, Anatomic Pathology & Clinical Pathology
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
7/1/2008 - 6/30/2010 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
7/1/2000 - 6/30/2008
Certifications
-
American Board of Pathology Hematopathology
1/1/2024 -
American Board of Pathology/Hematology
9/26/2013 -
American Board of Pathology/Anatomic & Clinical
7/31/2013
Academics and research
My team and I are studying a subset of immune cells called innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which include natural killer (NK) cells. We study the processes by which NK cells and other ILCs are produced in the body under steady states and healthy conditions, as well as in the settings of various cancers, including endometrial cancer and hematologic malignancies.
I am fortunate to work with and lead a team of incredibly talented and hard-working students and laboratory staff. Our accomplishments include the discovery of tissue resident populations of innate lymphoid cell progenitor and precursor cells that can give rise to functionally mature innate lymphocytes. We have characterized a form of natural killer cell lymphoma that shows features similar to the aforementioned tissue resident precursors. We have also discovered developmental stage specific effects of various cell signaling and regulatory mechanisms that influence innate lymphocyte maturation.
Together, these discoveries have broadened our understanding of human immunity and provided new insights into how these cells may be targeted to help fight cancer. I have co-authored more than 150 articles published in peer-reviewed journals including Blood, NPJ Precision Oncology, Frontiers in Immunology, the Journal of Immunology and Cell Reports.
Research interests
- Blood Cell Disorders
- Bone Marrow Disorders
- Immunology
- Leukemia
Academic information
- Department:
- Pathology
- Division:
- Pathology
More about my research
News and media
My news coverage
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025, Dr. Freud has reported no relationships with companies or entities.