Department of Microbiology and Immunology

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology provides a stimulating environment for faculty scientists and trainees who will play a leadership role in academic, government and industrial research and in international health organizations.

Advances in molecular and cell biology and genetics have opened new approaches to the basic and applied aspects of infectious diseases and host defenses. We are applying these approaches to basic aspects of receptor signaling, regulation of gene expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and interactions between these cells, genetic manipulation of cellular functions, and development of new vaccination strategies. The techniques of functional genomics, gene delivery and transgenic/gene disruption animal models are being developed to address specific questions.

The Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology provides interactive, multi-departmental graduate education and research training. Our graduates receive comprehensive education in molecular and cell biology, microbiology and immunology and in-depth training in their chosen area of research. Our Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. students train in the laboratories of participating faculty in the Department of Medicine, Division of Transplantation Surgery, University of Maryland Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center , Center for Vaccine Development, Institute of Human Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences in the Dental School, Department of Pediatrics, and Mucosal Biology Research Center.