The ability of our immune system to tolerate commensal microbes and attack pathogenic microbes is a central problem of immunology. Failure to recognize pathogenic microbes can result in disease and death, while immune differentiation driven by commensal microbes might influence complex disease susceptibility. The Precision Immunology Institute (PrIISM) investigators are studying the complex host microbe interactions that promote tolerance or defense.

Laboratories in the PrIISM study human microbiota that accompany chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, to better understand how the changes in microbiota contribute to disease. Others are examining what innate and adaptive immune pathways can be exploited to block or clear infectious pathogens. A combination of in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical studies enables PrIISM investigators to examine the mechanisms behind disease and immune protection. PrIISM investigators are at the forefront of cutting-edge clinical studies and trials of fecal transplantation, vaccines, and immunotherapy to treat or prevent infections and complex disease. 

Investigators with a major focus in microbiome and/or host pathogen interaction include: Bhardwaj, Nina ; Chen, Benjamin; Clemente, Jose C.; Coelho, Camila; Cuadrado-Castaño, Sara; Edelblum, Karen; Enamorado, Michel; Faith, Jeremiah; Horowitz, Amir; Kamphorst, Alice O.; Lira, Sergio; Marta, Luksza; Powell, Rebecca; Ramos, Irene; Vabret, Nicolas, Edgar Gonzalez-Kozlova, Schotsaert, Michael A, Zamarin, Dmitriy