Immunobiology Research

The Division of Immunobiology is dedicated to understanding the fundamental mechanisms the immune system uses to contribute to health and disease. Our faculty employs cutting-edge technologies to push discoveries forward. It’s our goal to develop novel treatments for immunologically mediated disorders. 

Our research labs focus on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the functioning of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Additional faculty members are being recruited that will be conducting research in the areas of Innate Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Neuro-Immunology and Immunodeficiency.

Research projects underway range from mechanistic studies in pre-clinical models to the utility of translational approaches that further our understanding of immune system function. We hope to use such information to devise new preventive and therapeutic strategies for diseases that affect children and adults.

Our Research

Research teams in our division share their expertise with clinics and labs throughout Cincinnati Children’s. We also collaborate with clinicians outside of our medical center. We work to ensure that the latest advances in our field are used in patient care settings as soon as possible. 

Our faculty partner closely with other Cincinnati Children’s divisions to understand how the immune system impacts other organ systems. 

Our research areas of focus include:

• Allergic asthma
• Hematopoiesis including acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes
• Host-pathogen interactions at mucosal surfaces
• Immunodeficiency diseases
• Immunology of pregnancy
• Immune responses to infections
• Innate immune signaling
• Mathematical modeling of the immune system
• Mechanisms of fibrosis
• Obesity and metabolic inflammation
• Transplant immunology

Preparing Future Researchers

Our division provides top-quality educational and training opportunities for graduate students and post-doctoral and clinical fellows. The division:

• Holds an immunology research forum to discuss grant ideas by faculty across Cincinnati Children’s and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
• Hosts a seminar series by invited experts.
• Leads work-in-progress seminars for students and postdoctoral trainees.
• Serves as the administrative home for the Immunology Graduate Program.

We provide a research home for several faculty and trainees from clinical divisions. We also offer immunobiology graduate training through the UC College of Medicine.