# Interdisciplinary Training in Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology

> **NIH NIH T32** · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $396,721

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Support is requested for a training program in microbial pathogenesis and immunology at Oregon Health &
Science University (OHSU). This interdisciplinary area of research requires a cadre of interactive faculty with
diverse expertise to recruit and train young scientists in all modern aspects of host-microbial interactions.
Funds are requested for the support of 4 predoctoral and 2 postdoctoral trainees. The participating faculty
consists of 27 members of OHSU that were selected among a pool of more than 50 available faculty based on
the criteria explained in the application. Many of these investigators have primary or secondary appointments
in the Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Department of Medicine, in the School of
Dentistry, Biomedical Engineering, and Cell Development and Cancer Biology, and the Vaccine and Gene
Therapy Institute. Thus, the necessary infrastructure in which diverse basic scientists and physician-scientists
with common interests can collaborate to provide training opportunities in basic and translational research is
established. The broad research programs of the participating faculty include the use of a number of vertebrate
and invertebrate model hosts, the use of genetic and genomic technologies to study microbial pathogenesis
and immunology, and the study of the influence of the immune system on susceptibility to infections and
inflammatory disorders. In addition to an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying host-pathogen
interactions, the training program will offer innovative research experiences that take advantage of state-of-the-
art technologies and numerous career-enhancing opportunities. The primary focus of this proposal remains the
training of the next generation of scientists with an interest in microbial pathogenesis and immunology;
however, there is an increasing necessity to provide training in alternative careers that will be addressed
herein. Our trainees will also have the unique opportunity to obtain direct clinical experiences through the
Infectious Disease Internship Program. OHSU has a number of outreach programs for underrepresented
minorities that will be used to recruit a diverse group of trainees. Unfortunately, we lack a formal training
mechanism for our existing predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees interested in the study of microbial
pathogenesis and immunology. This training grant will help to rectify this situation and further enhance
microbiology and immunology at OHSU by providing a vibrant research community with the needed
infrastructure to train predoctoral and postdoctoral students in this area of research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10868596
- **Project number:** 5T32AI170496-02
- **Recipient organization:** OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Patrizia Caposio
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $396,721
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-08-01 → 2028-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10868596

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10868596, Interdisciplinary Training in Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology (5T32AI170496-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10868596. Licensed CC0.

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