Email this pageApply Now!
Interested in applying to the Department of Microbiology & Immunology Graduate Program?
Please log into the Graduate Online Admissions Application and fill out an application.
Overview of Department Research
Curriculum Tracks
Immunology
The field of Immunology brings together biochemists, molecular biologists and cell biologists to analyze a complex multi-cellular system that is exquisitely designed to defend against a myriad of pathogenic agents. Our immunology faculty focus on basic research into immune mechanisms at the molecular, cellular and organismal level. Strengths include: T and B cell differentiation, dendritic cell biology, antigen processing, vaccine design and in vivo models of immunity to infectious agents, tumors and autoimmune disease.
Microbiology & Microbial Pathogenesis
These laboratories investigate the molecular biological details of a wide variety of medically relevant microbial pathogens. Studies focus on understanding the physiology and pathogenicity of bacteria and fungi and the basic features of microbial replication and microbe-host interactions. Microbiology faculty include investigators with interests in bacterial genetics and genomics, biofilm formation, the interplay of pathogenic microorganisms with host cells and tissues, opportunistic pathogens, oral microbiology, infections of the respiratory tract, and more.
Virology
Virus infections are a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and are responsible for many of the important diseases of humankind, including AIDS and several types of cancer. These laboratories perform broadly based research on both RNA and DNA viruses, including biodefense agents such as the influenza virus, other respiratory pathogens, Dengue virus and HIV/AIDS; studies also focus on the use of viral vectors in gene therapy and vaccine development. Participating laboratories utilize state of the art molecular techniques, including real-time imaging, genomics and proteomics, to study the interactions between viruses and their hosts.
Research Areas
Autoimmunity
Autoimmune disease is an important and growing health concern, playing a central role in diseases such as diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The URMC is home to one of only 9 national Autoimmunity Centers of Excellence (ACE) and faculty research emphasizes immune mechanisms in diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. This research is combined with fundamental studies on both B- and T- cell subsets, including regulatory T cells.
Biodefense
Faculty research focusses on a range of Category A, B and C Priority Pathogens. Studies include analysis of the pathogenesis of important bacterial and viral biodefense agents, comparative genomic studies on Vibrio species, genetic analysis of Francisella tularensis, analysis of immune responses to such viruses as influenza virus (flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and the development and testing of new vaccines for diseases such as anthrax, botulism, and smallpox. In conjunction with faculty in several different Centers and Departments, there is a strong emphasis on respiratory pathogens, including Francisella tularensis, flu, Pneumocystis carinii and RSV. Finally, the URMC is home to one of only 5 national Centers for Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS), the New York Influenza Center of Excellence. (NYICE)
Biofilms
Pathogenic bacteria often grow as communities, attached to each other and/or to a solid substrate, in the form of a “biofilm”. Biofilm formation is central to the pathogenesis of many bacterial infections, to bacterial colonization of host tissues and surfaces (such as teeth), and to bacterial persistence in the face of harsh environmental conditions, antibiotic exposure and other insults. Faculty research includes studies aimed at understanding how biofilm formation is regulated, and how biofilm formation in turn alters bacterial gene expression, physiology and pathogenesis.
Cancer
Oncogenically transformed cells arise through a multistep process, and are normally subject to immune surveillance and elimination by the immune system. Cluster research focuses understanding of the immune mechanisms involved in tumor recognition and rejection, as well as fundamental mechanisms of cellular transformation and the role of microbial agents in oncogenic disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Studies include translational research aimed at improved cancer therapeutics and/or cancer vaccines, as well as studies into the basic mechanisms of cell transformation.
Cell Biology
Microbes and viruses interact with host cells to induce alterations in cellular phenotype and function, thereby subverting host cell metabolism to meet their own needs. In addition, many microbes and viruses exert effects on the host immune response, so as to evade host immune control. Knowledge of the interplay between infectious pathogens and their host cells is therefore important, in order to identify potential new targets for drug therapy and as a basis for understanding microbial pathogenesis. Research focuses on various aspects of mammalian and amphibian cell biology including, cell to cell interactions, cell cycle control, intracellular signaling, differentiation and subcellular organelles.
Gene Therapy
Research on gene therapy includes the development and utilization of novel viral vector systems based on both DNA and RNA virus platforms, including adenovirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), bacteriophage and herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors. Applications include immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease and other neurologic disorders, enhancement of bone engraftment, modulation of deleterious immune responses, and vaccine delivery. Other studies focus on the use of gene transfer techniques to improve immune responses to cancer.
Genetics and Genomics
Microbes and viruses interact with their immediate environment and in doing so alter the expression of their own genes or those of the host. Faculty study the regulation of gene expression at all levels, including global changes in bacterial gene expression in biofilms and dental caries, cytokine and gene expression changes associated with immune cell differentiation, and the comparative genomics of Vibrio cholerae species. These studies are enhanced by the University of Rochester's state of the art Functional Genomics Center, and other recent upgrades in the Core Facilities of the Medical Center.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS remains a major cause of death both in the U.S. and internationally.
Faculty research on HIV/AIDS includes studies on: viral replication and reverse transcription; viral pathogenesis, including HIV-associated neurologic disease; development of novel therapeutic and preventive approaches – including new drugs and vaccines; and studies on the opportunistic pathogens that are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in persons with HIV/AIDS. The University of Rochester Developmental Center for AIDS Research provides a central hub for campus research on the virus.
Immunologic Mechanisms
Research into immunological mechanisms includes studies in diverse research areas in immunology, including: antigen presentation and processing; B cell subsets and regulation of B cell responses; T cell activation and differentiation; T cell memory and homing; immune responses to pathogenic organisms; comparative immunology using the frog Xenopus as a model system; and mechanisms of autoimmunity. These varied research programs seek to dissect key regulatory events that control protective and pathogenic immune responses
Pathogenesis
An important weapon in the battle of infectious diseases is a basic understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenesis of infectious agents and the interaction of the pathogen with the host. A major research goal of the faculty is therefore to examine the mechanisms by which pathogenic microorganisms cause disease, using an interdisciplinary approach that involves scientists trained in microbiology, virology, molecular biology, and host defense.
Vaccine Biology
Vaccines represent perhaps the most cost-effective approach to improving human health and well-being, saving tens of millions of lives each year. Moreover, the UR has an impressive track record of contributing to the development of important human vaccines, including the Hemophilus influenza b (Hib) vaccine and the recently developed Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
However, there remains a pressing need for new and improved vaccines for medically important microbial pathogens such as HIV, novel influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and more. Research focuses on basic mechanisms involved in the generation of pathogen-specific immune responses as well as translationally-oriented studies that involve the derivation and testing of novel vaccines and/or vaccine delivery systems.
