# Human and Translational Immunology Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $423,158

## Abstract

Project Summary
Progress in translational immunology has created a new demand for training scientists with expertise in human
immunology and with the skills to bring discoveries in immune sciences to the clinic. The training that is
required for translational immunology is distinct from traditional cellular or molecular immunology or the clinical
sciences. This program fulfills four unmet needs in training translational immunologists. First, our
understanding of basic immunology has largely been driven by primary observations and concept development
in animal models, but there are many differences between immune responses in rodents versus humans.
Studies of human cells and tissues are needed to understand the mechanisms of human diseases and predict
outcomes in human clinical settings. Animal models are limited in their ability to accurately model genetic
variations and environmental influences that can affect the human immune system. Second, the methods used
to analyze data from human studies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, are more complex
and variable than data generated from animal model systems. Third, there are still common diseases for which
immune modulation and immune mechanisms are just beginning to be identified and explored such as
atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, an understanding of
individual features that determine immunologic responses - why some patients do not respond positively, or
even respond negatively, to many current immune-based approaches while others show robust responses, is
only beginning to be elucidated. Lastly, there is a critical shortage of clinically trained investigators who also
have training in basic aspects of human immunology. Those with a clinical background who wish to pursue
further studies in translational immunology are discouraged from this pathway because of their limited previous
training and unfamiliarity with new technologies. To this end, we propose the establishment of the Yale Human
and Translational Immunology (HTI) Training Program (HTITP). The HTITP has grown from the expansion of
the HTI program at Yale, the strong interest among trainees, and the unmet need for skilled translational
immunologists in the scientific community. The program will offer training in concepts and techniques
fundamental to productive human-based research in immunology and includes the newer areas of systems
immunology, precision medicine and host:environment interactions, as well cellular and molecular immunologic
studies. The mentors for this training program cover multiple disciplines, are active leaders in studies of human
immunity in health and disease, have expertise in clinical and translational studies utilizing patient samples,
and are skilled at training predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees. We request 4 predoctoral slots, working
toward a PhD degree at Yale, and 3 postdoctoral slots. Yale is an exceptional research environme...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10270035
- **Project number:** 1T32AI155387-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Joseph Edgar Craft
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $423,158
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10270035

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10270035, Human and Translational Immunology Training Program (1T32AI155387-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10270035. Licensed CC0.

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