# Innate Immunity Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · 2020 · $138,303

## Abstract

Project Summary
 Our understanding of the impact and workings of the innate immune system has
increased exponentially in the past 20 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-immune and auto-inflammatory
diseases. To effectively train students in such a cross-disciplinary field requires a
cohesive and interactive faculty unit with diverse expertise. The 28 UMass Medical
School faculty participating in Innate Immunity Training Program (IITP) represent just
such a group. Their 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 autoimmunity.
 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 and talent for research. Special efforts will be made to recruit a diverse
group of trainees. Training grant funds will enable our group to increase the caliber of
student recruits and provide an even more cohesive and rigorous innate immunity
research community.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9967995
- **Project number:** 5T32AI095213-10
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Neal Silverman
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $138,303
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2011-09-15 → 2021-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9967995

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9967995, Innate Immunity Training Program (5T32AI095213-10). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9967995. Licensed CC0.

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