PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT In Phases I and II, the Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Host Inflammatory Responses (CMPHIR) established and maintained a Research and Technical Advancement Core to fill experimental gaps in the resources available in institutional cores maintained by the UAMS College of Medicine. A primary focus of the Core was on Microscopy and Cellular Imaging, the goal being to facilitate the ability of CMPHIR investigators to characterize the interaction between diverse microbial pathogens and specific host cells. Equipment purchased to support this effort included a confocal microscope, a scanning electron microscope, and multiple instruments for live cell imaging. Daily operations will be supervised by Dr. Karen E. Beenken, Director, who will be responsible for maintaining these instruments in working order and training CMPHIR investigators, as well as other UAMS investigators, on its proper use. To promote self-sustainability and maximize accessibility, Core D instruments will be operated by the users themselves on a fee-for-access basis. This will allow users access to these instruments at their convenience, including during non-working hours, and allow Core D to recover a significant proportion of the costs, thereby ensuring the ability to upgrade and maintain the equipment in this core as needed as we move forward into Phase III and beyond.