About

Kevin King is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering and also holds a position in the Department of Cardiology at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. His research focuses on studying diseases in which the immune system becomes activated without infection, including conditions such as heart attacks, metabolic disease, autoimmunity, and cancer. He combines conventional biological methods with novel bioengineering techniques to develop therapies aimed at limiting organ dysfunction and promoting healing, repair, and regeneration. King's background includes a cardiology fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He earned his Ph.D. from MIT and his M.D. from Harvard Medical School. His work integrates bioengineering and cardiology to advance understanding and treatment of immune-related diseases affecting organs.

Research topics

• Biology
• Immunology
• Cell biology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Bioinformatics
• Medicine
• Cancer research
• Internal medicine

Selected publications

• A triple-node heart-brain neuroimmune loop underlying myocardial infarction

  Cell · 2026-01-27 · 6 citations

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Spatial transcriptomic profiling of the human aortic valve reveals cellular sex differences near sites of calcification

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-08-24 · 2 citations

  preprintOpen access

  Abstract Sex differences in aortic valve stenosis (AVS) progression have been documented clinically, but the underlying cellular mechanisms that drive sex-dependent calcification in aortic valve tissue remain poorly understood. Here, we harnessed single cell and spatial transcriptomics to investigate mechanisms that drive sex dependent spatial organization of valvular interstitial cell (VIC) and macrophage gene expression near calcification sites in human male and female aortic valve tissue. Histological analyses of aortic valve tissues stratified into healthy and diseased cohorts based on degree of calcification reveal increased valve calcification area in diseased male aortic valves relative to female, and increased valve thickening in diseased female aortic valves. Single cell sequencing analysis of heterogeneous valvular interstitial cell (VIC) populations reveals male-dependent gene expression of the Activator Protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor complex. Spatial transcriptomics and RNA-FISH analyses of VIC populations near sites of calcification revealed male-dependent gene expression localization of Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein ( COMP ), as opposed to diffuse COMP expression in female VICs. Cell-cell communication analyses were used to determine female-specific macrophage-VIC interactions. Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (also known as osteopontin) expressed from macrophages interacts with the cell surface receptor CD44 expressed by VICs to drive a pro-fibrotic phenotype in female aortic valves. Together, our results reveal sex differences in VIC and macrophage heterogeneity and functions near sites of calcification in aortic valve tissue. Our results highlight the importance of sex-based transcriptomics analyses to understand the cellular phenotypes responsible for causing sex differences in aortic valve fibrosis calcification.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Cardiomyocyte YAP represses myocardial inflammation and fibrosis and restrains MEF2-regulated gene expression

  American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology · 2025-07-10 · 6 citations

  articleOpen access

  YAP is increasingly recognized for its role in safeguarding the heart by regulating cardiac responses to mechanical and ischemic stress. Here, we highlight YAP's protective role in cardiomyocytes by restraining maladaptive inflammation and fibrosis in response to AngII stress. By selective deletion of cardiomyocyte YAP and single-nuclei RNA sequencing, we determine that YAP serves an anti-inflammatory role and suggest that this occurs through repression of MEF2-dependent pathways, advancing our understanding of how YAP functions in cardiac health and disease.

  PublisherDOI

• Uncovering the Regional and Cell Specific Bioactivity of Injectable Extracellular Matrix Biomaterials in Myocardial Infarction through Spatial and Single Nucleus Transcriptomics

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-06-27

  preprintOpen access

  Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a global health concern. To mitigate MI pathophysiology, we previously investigated a pro-reparative decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel for treating subacute and chronic MI. Despite increasing interest in biomaterial scaffolds, single cell and spatially resolved transcriptomics have not been used to probe their therapeutic activity in the heart. Here, we utilize spatial transcriptomics and single nucleus RNA sequencing to delineate the regional and cell-specific bioactivity of ECM biomaterials. ECM hydrogel subacute treatment induced cardiac resident macrophage preservation, fibroblast activation, and increased lymphatic, vasculature, smooth muscle and cardiomyocyte development as well as neurogenesis. Chronic treatment elicited macrophage polarization, cardiomyocyte and vasculature development, alongside fibroblast development. When comparing treatment timepoints, subacute administration had stronger immune modulation, while the chronic timepoint demonstrated higher cardiac development markers. Both subacute and chronic administration were associated with fibroblast activation and vasculature development. Thus, we elucidate undiscovered therapeutic targets of the ECM hydrogel, further demonstrating the potential of ECM biomaterials as an MI therapy.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Infusible Extracellular Matrix Biomaterial Enhances Cell‐Specific Pro‐Repair Responses Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

  Advanced Healthcare Materials · 2025-12-18

  articleOpen accessCorresponding

  To mitigate the pathological effects of myocardial infarction, we developed and investigated a pro-reparative decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) biomaterial, an intravascularly infusible ECM (iECM). However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which iECM mediates repair are unknown because investigations have relied on bulk techniques. Here, we leverage single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNAseq) to measure pro-repair responses in various cell types across acute timepoints (1, 3, and 7 days post infusion). In iECM, we found pro-reparative macrophage activation, fibroblast remodeling, increased vascular development, lymphangiogenesis, cardioprotection, and neurogenesis. These findings are validated through spatial transcriptomics. Thus, we define the pro-reparative nature of the decellularized ECM biomaterial on cardiac cell types and elucidate previously undiscovered therapeutic pathways, further demonstrating the potential of iECM as an MI therapy, as well as display the wealth of data generated from next-generation sequencing.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Infusible Extracellular Matrix Biomaterial Enhances Cell-Specific Pro-Repair Responses Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2025-11-10

  preprintOpen access

  To mitigate the pathological effects of myocardial infarction, we developed and investigated pro-reparative decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) biomaterials: an intravascularly infusible ECM (iECM). However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which iECM mediates repair are unknown because investigations have relied on bulk techniques. Here, we leverage single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNAseq) to measure pro-repair in various cell types across acute timepoints (1, 3 and 7 days post infusion). In iECM, we found pro-reparative macrophage activation, fibroblast remodeling, increased vasculaure development, lymphangiogenesis, cardioprotection, and neurogenesis. These findings were validated through spatial transcriptomics. Thus, we define the pro-reparative nature of decellularized ECM biomaterials on cardiac cell types and elucidate previously undiscovered therapeutic pathways, further demonstrating the potential of iECM as an MI therapy as well as display the wealth of data generated from next-generation sequencing.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Predicting Physical Recovery After Critical Illness With Non-contact Cardiopulmonary Monitoring

  American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine · 2025-05-01

  article

  Abstract Rationale: Many survivors of critical illness encounter physical, cognitive, and mental health impairments, collectively recognized as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). A common physical component of PICS is ICU-acquired weakness, which may persist for months to years following an ICU stay. Predicting physical recovery trajectories after critical illness would be profoundly impactful for patients, families, and clinicians to guide expectations and inform decisions regarding their follow-up care. This study aims to determine whether early post-ICU cardiopulmonary monitoring obtained via a non-contact, adherence-independent bed sensor is feasible and has the potential to improve our understanding of pace and peak of physical recovery after critical illness. Methods: We conducted an observational study of adult patients who had received mechanical ventilation ≥24 hours or vasopressor support ≥48 hours in the medical ICU. We utilized a thin, flexible ferroelectric sensor placed underneath participants’ mattresses to continuously monitor mechanical cardiopulmonary forces. Data were transmitted to a cloud computing environment and processed to derive physiologic measures, including respiratory rate, heart rate, and heart rate variability. Monitoring was conducted from time of ICU discharge for at least 14 days. Physical function was assessed with PROMIS Physical Function (PROMIS PF, primary subjective outcome) and handgrip strength (primary objective outcome) at time of ICU discharge, 3 months, and 6 months. Results: In this ongoing study, 147 patients have been screened at time of ICU discharge, 34 of 52 eligible patients were enrolled, and early post-ICU sensor data were obtained in 25 of 34 participants. Participants were middle-aged (median 57, IQR 42-66), 13/34 women, and severely ill (median APACHE II score at ICU admission 26, IQR 21-33; median ICU length of stay 7, IQR 6-15). Prior to hospitalization, the majority of patients were functionally independent, with 20/34 not requiring caregiver support and 15/34 working full- or part-time. Median Katz ADL Index was 6 (IQR 6-6) and median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 3 (IQR 1-6). Median PROMIS PF score increased from 14.9 (IQR 14.9-23.4) at ICU discharge to 42.0 (IQR 41.1-42.7; N=6/34) at 3 months and 45.0 (IQR 44.4-49.7; N=3/24) at 6 months. Handgrip strength within normal range increased from 33% (N=11/33) at ICU discharge to 67% (N=2/3) at 3 months. Analysis of cardiopulmonary sensor data is ongoing. Conclusions: In this ongoing study, early post-ICU longitudinal cardiopulmonary monitoring utilizing a non-contact, adherence-independent bed sensor seems feasible. However, the value of predicting medium-term physical function recovery after critical illness remains to be seen.

  PublisherDOI

• Regional and cell specific bioactivity of injectable extracellular matrix biomaterials in myocardial infarction

  Nature Communications · 2025-11-24 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a global health concern. To mitigate subacute and chronic MI pathophysiology, we previously investigated a pro-reparative decellularized extracellular matrix hydrogel. Despite increasing interest in biomaterial scaffolds, single cell and spatially resolved transcriptomics have not been used to probe their therapeutic activity in the heart. Here, we utilize spatial transcriptomics and single nucleus RNA sequencing to delineate the regional and cell-specific bioactivity of extracellular matrix biomaterials. Extracellular matrix hydrogel subacute treatment in female rats induces cardiac resident macrophage preservation, fibroblast activation, and increased lymphatic, vasculature, smooth muscle, and cardiomyocyte development as well as neurogenesis. Chronic treatment in female rats elicits macrophage polarization, neurogenesis, and development of cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. When comparing treatment timepoints, subacute administration has stronger immune modulation, while chronic administration demonstrates higher cardiac development markers. Both subacute and chronic administration are associated with fibroblast activation and vasculature development. Thus, we elucidate undiscovered therapeutic targets of an injectable extracellular matrix hydrogel, further demonstrating the potential of these biomaterials as an MI therapy.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Implementation of geriatric clinical decision support in the emergency department for potentially inappropriate medications

  Academic Emergency Medicine · 2025-05-13 · 6 citations

  articleOpen access

  OBJECTIVES: The use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older adults in the emergency department (ED) is associated with increased risk of readmissions and adverse drug reactions. We sought to assess the impact of electronic health record (EHR)-based geriatric clinical decision support (CDS) on adherence to geriatric recommendations for targeted PIMs prescribed to older adults while in the ED and at ED discharge. METHODS: We performed a multicenter pre-post implementation cohort study comparing adherence to geriatric recommendations before and after implementation of ED geriatric CDS for patients 65 years or older for a targeted list of 12 PIMs. ED geriatric CDS consisted of custom order panels with clinical guidance for preferred alternative agents or preferred geriatric dosing if providers opted to proceed with ordering a targeted PIM; CDS was implemented for both medications ordered during the ED visit as well as outpatient prescriptions ordered at discharge. The primary outcomes were the proportions of ED orders and discharge prescriptions adherent to ED geriatric CDS recommendations. RESULTS: A total of 6745 ED orders and 1440 discharge prescriptions were eligible for study inclusion. The proportion of targeted PIMs consistent with geriatric CDS recommendations was higher in the postimplementation group compared to preimplementation group for both ED orders (52% vs. 71%; difference 19%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 16.8%-21.3%) and discharge prescriptions (0.5% vs. 31.7%; difference 31.1%, 95% CI 27.5%-34.7%). In the postimplementation period, geriatric CDS order panel utilization for targeted PIMs was 62.1% for ED orders and 36.7% for discharge prescriptions. Among orders placed through ED geriatric CDS order panels, 90% of ED orders and 80.4% of discharge prescriptions were adherent to geriatric CDS recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: EHR-based CDS for older adults in the ED increased the proportion of ED orders and discharge prescriptions adherent to geriatric drug therapy recommendations.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Implementation of a novel insulin infusion calculator in the electronic health record medication administration record: Assessing efficacy and safety in intensive care unit patients

  JACCP JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY · 2025-02-20

  article1st author

  Abstract Introduction Intravenous insulin infusions are recommended for control of hyperglycemia in critically ill patients. Institutions have adopted nurse‐driven titration protocols for management of infusions; however, optimal integration within electronic health records (EHRs) has lagged. Data is lacking regarding clinical pharmacist interventions in standardizing and implementing decision support with electronic nomograms. Methods This multicenter cohort study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of implementing an EHR medication administration record (MAR) calculator for insulin infusion in 29 hospital intensive care units (ICUs). Outcomes were evaluated before and after implementation of the EHR MAR calculator (April 12–June 5, 2023; implementation on May 9, 2023). The primary efficacy outcome was the proportion of blood glucose values within a target range of 140–179 mg/dL. Secondary outcomes included the proportions of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic glucose values. Results A total of 206 patients were included: 109 in the pre‐group and 97 in the post‐group. More patients in the pre‐group received corticosteroids (40.4% vs. 22.7%). The EHR MAR calculator implementation showed a significant increase in glucose values within the target range (35.5% post‐implementation vs. 31.0% pre‐implementation, p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of hypoglycemic events, but the rate of hyperglycemia decreased (549 [43.7%] post‐implementation, 601 [48.6%] pre‐implementation, p = 0.02). Discussion This is the first study describing implementation of an integrated MAR calculator that automatically imports blood glucose results used for calculations in the MAR and does not rely on manual input by the nurse. The study demonstrated the benefits of transitioning from a paper‐based nomogram to an EHR MAR calculator for insulin infusion management in critically ill patients in improving time in target range and reducing the proportion of hyperglycemic values. Pharmacists provided standardization, validation, education, and assisted with implementation to streamline transitions of care, monitoring methods, and drug‐laboratory interaction concerns.

  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• Danger Signaling and Spread of Injury after Myocardial Infarction

  NIH · $309k · 2015–2017

• Danger Signaling and Spread of Injury after Myocardial Infarction

  NIH · $746k · 2015–2020

• Elucidating Cell Communication Networks during Tissue Inflammation, Fibrosis, and Regeneration

  NIH · $2.4M · 2018–2023

Frequent coauthors

• Martin L. Yarmush

  Shriners Hospitals for Children - Boston

  183 shared

• Mehmet Toner

  Harvard University

  79 shared

• Ralph Weissleder

  Center for Systems Biology

  73 shared

• Aaron D. Aguirre

  60 shared

• Yoshiko Iwamoto

  Okayama University

  48 shared

• Matthias Nahrendorf

  Massachusetts General Hospital

  44 shared

• Suraj J. Patel

  43 shared

• David Calcagno

  University of California, San Diego

  40 shared