Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology

The Division of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology in the Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology is dedicated to understanding how viruses and micro-organisms behave and interact with their host systems. Viruses currently studied include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papilloma virus, human and mouse-adapted influenza virus and murine retrovirus. Investigators use modern cell biology, immunologic and molecular approaches to understand how these viruses fuse to their target membrane, replicate with the host, and ultimately infect the host. In addition, investigations are currently underway to determine the influence of age and nutritional status on the immune response to influenza and mouse retrovirus infections. Food microbiology research is being conducted on the control of Salmonella and Campylobacter on raw poultry as well as on whether population demographics impact the risk for infectious diseases through foodborne illness. Division is driven by active participation of faculty, graduate students and undergraduates, and relies heavily on collaborative efforts with Drexel's College of Medicine, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology companies in the United States and Asia.