The immune system is critical for our survival. This complex system is comprised of a widely disseminated network of organized tissues and organs as well as circulating cells, the warriors in defense of the integrity of the body. Balances of specific and non-specific entities -- such as T and B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, cytokines, and phagocytic cells -- protect us from outside invaders, whether harmful pathogens or innocuous pollens. Nevertheless, the immune system can be subverted to turn against ourselves in autoimmunity, fail in cancer, or be undermined in AIDS.

Bolstered by the enormous progress in molecular biology and genetics, immunology offers an exciting area for future biomedical scientists to make contributions to understanding the function of the immune system and finding solutions to its failure. Research in immunology transcends a number of fields, intersecting with molecular and cell biology, oncology, and microbiology, and includes studies in transplantation, autoimmunity, allergy, and AIDS. Specific strengths of the research mentors include apoptosis, tolerance and immune regulation, tumor immunology, cytokine signaling, comparative immunology, aging, and infectious diseases.