Major research areas in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology are in diseases caused by viruses and parasites, the host response to infection, and the development and function of the immune system.

This program awards:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology - Degree Requirement Checklist
• M.S. in Microbiology & Immunology - Degree Requirement Checklist

A range of viruses are studied, including dengue virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposis sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus.  The focus of virology research is on pathogenesis, gene regulation, molecular interactions between the virus and host cell, antiviral agents, and viral replication, as well as cancers, caused EBV and KSHV.  Research on malaria and toxoplasma is also conducted.

Immunology research focuses on autoimmune diseases, macrophage function, T and B cell function, T and B cell function, K cells, angiten processing and presentation, viral immunity, immunotoxicology, and vaccine development. A central theme is understanding how the immune system prevents or causes diseases.

Research is conducted at the molecular, biochemical, genetic and population levels with goals of developing vaccines and therapeutics of infectious diseases.

Program Information

Microbiology and Immunology