Heart-Shaped Macrophage Infected with mCherry-labeled BCG
©Marina Slawinski, May Lab
Zebrafish T-cells Highlighted Green Against Red Blood Vessels
© Tanner Robertson, Huttenlocher Lab
Fixed HMPV Infected LLC-Mk2 Cells Stained Blue Against a Viral Fusion Protein
©Williams Lab
An Egg Infected with Bioluminescent Influenza Virus
© A. Mehle, Mehle Lab
Hawaiian Bobtail Squid
© R. Isenberg, Mandel Lab
The mission of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology is to provide comprehensive scientific instruction to students, conduct meaningful research, and offer consultation and service in microbiology and immunology as they relate to human health and disease.
Who We Are
Since its founding in 1935, the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology has significantly advanced the study of infectious diseases and immunity. Our renowned faculty lead research on bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and viral pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycobacterium sp., Brucella sp., Listeria, Blastomyces, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida, influenza virus, Herpes simplex, enterohemorrhagic E. coli, and uropathogenic Escherichia coli. They also explore immunological topics including regulatory T cell biology, leukocyte migration and vaccine development. Additionally, our labs study the roles of diet, the immune system and the gut-brain-axis in the intestinal microbiome. The Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology is housed under the School of Medicine and Public Health.
6
Areas of Research
25+
Research Laboratories
150+
Faculty, researchers, trainees, and staff.
Top Ranked
Microbiology Doctoral Training Program
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Meet Our Researchers
Christina Hull, PhD
“Don’t worry about what or how everyone else is doing – focus on your interests and your goals and how to achieve them.”
Shai Bel, PhD
“Remember that science is like looking for a black cat in a dark room. This means that your advisor is fumbling in that dark room just like you are. They don’t have flashlight either. The only difference between you is that your advisor’s eyes have become a little more accustomed to the dark.”
Gustavo Caballero-Flores, PhD
“Since my very first biology classes until now, I have always been intrigued by the microscopic organisms present in our body, and all around us, and how we interact with them every day without realizing it.”
Upcoming Events
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Oct 23From the Field to the Lab: Studying Host-Microbe Interactions using Threespine Stickleback
Dr. Kat Milligan-McClellan, University of Connecticut
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Nov 13
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Nov 20Microbial Predation Promotes Host Recovery without Pathogen Elimination
Dr. Lauren Speare, Georgia Institute of Technology
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Dec 4Intestinal Glutathione promotes the Virulence of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Dr. Huiwen Wang, Sperandio Lab
Recent News
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Fall Issue of MMI News Published
The Fall 2026 edition of MMI News is here! In this issue we highlight some of our recent work and achievements while looking ahead to the opportunities, discoveries, and connections still to come! Here’s…
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MMI Welcomes New Faculty Member: Dr. Shai Bel
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Shai Bel to the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology! Dr. Bel joins us from Bar-Ilan University, where his research has focused on understanding how the intestine maintains its…
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Federico Rey and Collaborators Identify New Target in Gut for Reducing Alzheimer’s Risk
Gut bacteria produce a common compound called imidazole propionate. Higher levels of it contribute to dementia-related changes in the brain, a study reveals. By Chris Barncard August 12, 2026 A compound produced by bacteria in…
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