The Division of Clinical Immunology conducts basic, translational and clinical research aimed at understanding the complex interplay of molecules, cells, tissues, and organs that mobilize to overcome invaders.
Immunology Research
How the human body defends itself against a host of invaders including bacteria and viruses is one of the most basic elements of survival. For conditions ranging from a mild cold to life threatening diseases, the immune system is the first line defense. Faculty in the Division of Clinical Immunology conduct basic, translational and clinical research aimed at understanding these complex diseases.
Mount Sinai is widely considered the leading center in the nation for both research and treatment of primary immunodeficiency, a term that describes more than 70 conditions in which part of the immune system doesn’t function properly. Affecting one in every 100,000 individuals, these conditions are as common as lymphoma and leukemia combined.
Other major areas of immunology research within the Division of Clinical Immunology include growth and differentiation of B and T cells, control mechanisms of immunoglobulin production, T cell mediated autoimmunity and tolerance, and development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Allergy Research
Faculty in the Division of Clinical Immunology also lead research programs in asthma and allergy mechanisms and clinical trials in hereditary angioedema and urticaria. Our clinical research determines mechanisms that underlie asthma and allergy over the life course, including those that may be important prenatally and among more elderly individuals.