Immunology/Host Response
The immune system is an adaptable defense mechanism that provides fast and precise protective responses to harmful microorganisms. The immune system also is a critical factor in a wide range of other clinical conditions, including allergic and autoimmune disease, cancer, transplantation and vaccination. Research in the area of pediatric immunology and host response uniquely focuses on the development of the complex network of immune cells in the newborn and the mechanisms that promote the eradication of infection while avoiding pathologic self-reactivity. Investigations range from basic science studies that dissect essential genetic programs to clinical studies that test new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of immunologically mediated diseases.
Examples of immunology and host response research underway at Children's Research Institute include:
- Create and validate new methods for population-based screening and the molecular diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies.
- Develop broad-based approaches to pathogen detection and T cell receptor repertoire analysis that can be used to establish immunization practices and formulate public health decisions that pertain to emergent and bioterror pathogens.
- Determine the role of human tumor viruses in the etiology of lymphoproliferative disorders that occur in people with primary immunodeficiencies.
- Develop therapeutic tumor vaccines and new strategies for the treatment of childhood cancer.
- Identify the mechanisms of human regulatory T cell development and function and establish approaches to regulatory T cell therapy for autoimmune disease, graft vs. host disease and cancer.
Immunology and host response research within Children's Research Institute will improve children's health by promoting accurate detection of infection, early identification of immunodeficiencies and the development of new treatments for autoimmune disease and cancer.
Immunology/Host Response programs:
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