Our Research
Research faculty in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology are internationally recognized as leaders in the field of innate immunity. Research ranges from fundamental studies performed in invertebrate and vertebrate model systems to human-based studies of infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases.
Our investigators are engaged in research to identify fundamental aspects of host defenses against infectious bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens. These include diseases caused by Plasmodium (malaria), Listeria, Leishmania, Group B Streptococci, Neisseria, West Nile virus, dengue fever virus, coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2), influenza viruses, herpes viruses, Candida, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Yersinia (Plague), human papillomavirus and poxviruses.
In addition to our work on pathogens, we have developed unique approaches to studying infectious syndromes, such as septic shock and sexually transmitted infections.
We have also made major discoveries concerning non-infectious (sterile) inflammatory disorders, including autoinflammatory diseases such as SAVI, and autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, as well as atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.
Several groups within the Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology are also part of the Program in Innate Immunity, an interdisciplinary and interdepartmental group of investigators studying innate immunity in both health and disease.