The University of Pittsburgh has a long tradition of excellence in immunology, which began with Jonas Salk and the development of the polio vaccine and continues with the development of vaccines for cancer and HIV. The Immunology program faculty includes 57 active members, trained at the most prestigious universities and research institutes world wide. Members' research labs are funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and many private foundations. Learn More >
Tumor Immunology
Cutting edge research on the interaction of the immune system and tumors is pursued in several laboratories in the department and is expected to deliver novel immunotherapeutics for cancer treatment. Learn More >
Transplantation Immunology
Research in this area concentrates on weakening both the acute and chronic phases of immune responses, to facilitate the acceptance of foreign organ and tissue transplants. Learn More >
Immunology of Infectious Diseases
Pathogens and host immune defenses have co-existed for millennia. The immune system has developed a variety of approaches to controlling infection, ranging from direct killing of pathogens to inhibiting replication.Learn More >
Autoimmunity
Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and type-1 diabetes occur when immune responses are directed at the body’s own cells and tissues. Learn More >
Immunology of Barrier Surfaces
Barrier surfaces are the first to encounter pathogens and have unique immunological mechanisms to prevent infection. The lung, gut and skin form major physcial and immunological barriers to infection. Learn More >
Basic Immunologic Mechanisms
Many molecular and cellular regulatory mechanisms that underlie all immune system functions are studied in laboratories throughout the department, most with a direct application to disease. Learn More >
Center for Systems Immunology
The Center for Systems Immunology (CSI) at the University of Pittsburgh is focused on nucleating and nurturing research and training at the interface of Immunology, Computational Biology and Biological Engineering. Learn More >