Immunology is the study of how animals react to foreign substances such as infectious agents and allergens.   The immune system is constantly engaged in a battle that prevents microbes from invading the cells and tissues of our bodies. Although generally beneficial, some host immune responses such as autoimmune diseases or asthma can be devastating.

VMB researchers focus on improving our understanding of how the host immune system functions, such that new vaccines can be developed against infectious disease in people and animals, and so that new approaches can be developed to prevent detrimental immune responses such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Harmsen Lab

Research focuses on understanding aspects of immune responses to infectious agents that are unique to the lung. This includes the investigation of immune-mediated lung damage in Pneumocystis pneumonia and structure-function relationships in lung immunity to influenza. We have also recently become interested in the effects of lung infections on development of asthma and the use of nanotechnology for delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs to the lungs.

Jutila Lab

Research focuses on defining novel approaches for controlling acute and chronic inflammation, and enhancing innate host defenses of the intestinal and pulmonary mucosa. Recent efforts are using high-throughput functional genomic analyses to gain insights into innate immune cell responses that can be targeted in the development of new prophylactic and therapeutic immune stimulants.

Pascual Lab

Most infectious diseases are transmitted and initially propagated in mucosal tissues.  Yet, most immunizations are given peripherally. We are interested in learning how to adapt vaccines for mucosal immunizations using targeted delivery systems. We hypothesize that by improved vaccine targeting we can enhance vaccine uptake and efficacy. Current systems are adapting targeted delivery of vaccines for Salmonella, Brucella, Yersinia, and botulinum as well as for autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis and arthritis.

Quinn Lab

Research focuses on understanding microbicidal mechanisms utilized by innate immune cells in defense of the host against pathogens. Specific projects are in progress to investigate the molecular & biochemical basis of phagocyte oxygen radical production, as well as the role of phagocyte-generated oxidants in tissue damage associated with inflammatory diseases in humans and livestock. Additional work focuses on identifying and characterizing novel immunomodulatory agents for enhancing innate immune responses.