Immunology is the study of biological systems used to defend the body against microbial pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Evolution over the past several million years has equipped the immune system with a set of pattern recognition receptors, including the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), to distinguish self from microbial pathogens. The innate immune response, a first line of defense, is initiated by signaling through the TLRs, by bacteria DNA, lipoproteins and polysaccharides, as well as viral RNA. Triggering TLRs activates antigen presenting cells (APCs) to upregulate costimulatory molecules and secrete cytokines, which allow these APCs to initiate immune responses.

The goal of M. D. Anderson's Department of Immunology is to perform multidisciplinary research and educational activities in basic and cancer immunology. The new Center for Cancer Immunology Research (CCIR) is one of the six collaborative programs in biomedical research that make up the McCombs Institute for the Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer. The CCIR state-of-the-art facility for immunology research provides a platform for integrating basic and clinical immunology research programs. The immunology program has five basic research areas: 

Immune receptors and adjuvant discovery. This program is devoted to studying the receptors that bridge innate and adaptive immunity and directly activate or inactivate the immune system. These receptors include the TLRs, C-type lectin family receptors and the TNFR superfamily receptors.

Biology of dendritic cells (DCs), cell biology and biochemistry of antigen processing and presentation, and tumor antigen discovery. This program is focused on DC development, DC activation, DC antigen processing, and DC antigen presentation, as well as the interaction of DC cells with other cell types of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Both MHC class I- and II-mediated antigen processing and presentation are being studied.

Regulation of the decision between activation/differentiation, survival/apoptosis, memory/effector function and immunity/tolerance. In particular, we study the decisions made by CD4+ helper T cells, CD8+ killer T cells, regulatory T cells, and tumor-specific T cells. 

Hematopoietic stem cell biology. We study the regulation of stem cell self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation.

RNA-based research. This program is devoted to studying RNA surveillance pathways that protect the immune system [e.g., nonsense-mediated decay (NMD)], as well as using RNA-based approaches [e.g., RNA interference (RNAi) and RNA-DC therapy] to modify the immune system in order to protect against infections and cancer and to identify the factors critical for these responses.

In addition to our commitment to basic immunology, the CCIR has five clinical immunology programs:

• Bone marrow transplantation immunology
• Leukemia and lymphoma research
• Viral immunology and oncology research
• DC- and T cell-based immunotherapy for cancer
• UV-irradiation-induced immunosuppression and skin carcinogenesis

Our department also offers an excellent graduate program in both basic and cancer-related immunology through a collaboration with The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS). The Smith Education Program supports predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows in immunology and cancer biology. A multidisciplinary predoctoral program in cancer immunobiology supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funds students from the departments of Immunology, Cancer Biology, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Molecular Therapeutics, and Bioimmunotherapy at M. D. Anderson.

Through our commitment to research and education, we hope to train future generations of high-caliber immunologists, as well as to advance knowledge of cancer, the immune system and how to direct the immune system toward eradicating cancer.