# Innate Immunity Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · 2022 · $235,417

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Our understanding of the impact and workings of the innate immune system has increased
exponentially in the past 25 years. Innate immunity is now a complex discipline that
encompasses a variety of topics ranging from innate immune sensing and receptor signaling to
microbial pathogenesis to auto-inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. To effectively train
students in such a cross-disciplinary field requires a cohesive and interactive faculty unit with
diverse expertise. The 26 UMass Medical School faculty participating in Innate Immunity
Training Program (IITP) represent just such a group. Our goal is to provide an outstanding
training environment for predoctoral students committed to effectively and creatively expanding
our understanding of innate immune mechanisms. This goal will be met by providing
predoctoral trainees with: (1) a solid academic background in biochemistry/biophysics,
molecular and cellular biology, immunology, and genetics through the UMMS core curriculum
and IITP curricular components; (2) an in-depth understanding of rational experimental design
as well as the subtleties of the innate immune system interactions through additional regularly
scheduled journal clubs, seminar presentations by nationally/internationally recognized experts
in the field, as well as by student and faculty IITP members; (3) an innovative, challenging and
focused research experience using state of the art technologies; (4) opportunities to present
research accomplishments at institutional, local, national and international forums; and (5)
appropriate training in the ethical conduct of research.
 The diverse research interests of our faculty will provide trainees with a wide range of
opportunities in both basic and translational research. Particular areas of faculty expertise
include innate host defense mechanisms, pathogen evasion, pattern recognition receptor
signaling and interactions (Toll-like receptors,NOD-like receptors, and beyond), complement
cascades, inflammasome activation, innate-like lymphocyte subsets (B1 B-cells, iNKT cells),
protein structure/function, and autoinflammatory diseases.
 We intend to support 6 predoctoral trainees (Ph.D or M.D./Ph.D. students) each year.
Trainees will be selected based on their academic record and previous evidence of commitment
to and talent for research. Special efforts will be made to recruit a diverse group of trainees.
Training grant funds will enable our program to increase the caliber of student recruits and
create an even more rigorous innate immunity research community.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10470710
- **Project number:** 5T32AI095213-12
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Neal Silverman
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $235,417
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2011-09-15 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10470710

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10470710, Innate Immunity Training Program (5T32AI095213-12). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10470710. Licensed CC0.

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