Research expansion in the Department of Immunology focuses on the study of leukocyte development and function. Research breakthroughs over the past several decades have generated considerable information about the molecules, receptors, cytokines, and other factors that can modify lymphocyte function during in vitro assays. Therefore, our goal is to develop a multidisciplinary program examining the factors that regulate the development of the immune system in vivo.

 

Research areas currently targeted for recruitment include the following:  lymphocyte biology, hematopoiesis, signal transduction, animal models of human disease, general cellular immunology, including T-cell-B-cell interactions and cellular adhesion molecules.  The future goal for the Department of Immunology is to understand how lymphocyte development and function is regulated in vivo. Understanding how immune responses are initiated and regulated will lead to new insights into the molecular basis of disease, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies, and the development of malignancies.  The close relationship between basic researchers and clinical investigators in the Department of Immunology is instrumental for the translation of research findings into therapies and treatments for currently recognized diseases and future discoveries in disease.