Survival of the mammalian host depends on the innate and adaptive immune system that mounts protective responses against a wide-range of microbes, allergens, and cancer cells. Understanding of these responses has led to the development of life-protecting therapeutic interventions including vaccines, anti-inflammatory drugs, and immunotherapy against several autoimmune diseases and cancers. Inflammation is a “double edged sword” immune response that initiates the wound healing process and protects from pathogenic microbes, cancer cells, and irritants. However, unrestrained inflammation leads to several human pathologies including cancers.
Research carried out by faculty members of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology within Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University is focused on deciphering the host’s innate and adaptive immune responses and consequent inflammation.