Immunology and Microbiology

Immunology and Microbiology Research Excellence Cluster

Faculty in the Immunology and Microbiology Research Excellence Cluster (IMREC) study various aspects of infectious biology, microbial pathogenesis and host immune response. Primary focus of the IMREC is to address how microbial pathogens replicate and cause diseases in humans and agricultural animals. The other important component of this research cluster is to address how humans and agricultural animals launch their responses to microbial invasions with the ultimate goal of illuminating the intricate microbe-host interaction map. Mechanistic understanding of these important questions can offer fundamental information for rational design of next-generation diagnosis, therapeutics, and vaccines for effective control and prevention of infectious diseases. With a cross-disciplinary approach spanning virology, immunology, cell biology, computational modeling, next-generation sequencing and proteomic technology, IMREC faculty members currently investigate several important human and veterinary pathogens such as Influenza virus, Porcine reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV), Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus, West Nile virus and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The microbiome of animals and emerging pathogens (for example the ZIKA virus and novel viruses such as influenza D) are also extensive focuses of the IMREC research cluster. IMREC Faculty members have extensive experience in preparing and culturing undergraduate and graduate students for their career development.  This research cluster is internationally recognized for their important contributions to immunology and microbiology.