Training in Molecular and Cell Biology of Allergy

University Of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This T32 Post-Doctoral training program has been funded by NIAID since July, 1994. The faculty members are from three neighboring institutes: University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology (LIAI), which are both housed on the UCSD campus, and The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) which is next door to UCSD. The trainees will have opportunities to be exposed to a wide range of allergy research topics. In addition, the inter-institutional training program serves as a catalyst for promoting interactions and collaborations among researchers from different institutes. All faculty members have well established research programs;their research backgrounds are diverse and when taken together encompass allergy, immunology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, signal transduction, glycobiology, and molecular biology. Therefore, this training program represents an interdisciplinary approach. The trainees can be involved in the following research areas: 1) regulation of IgE production, including Th1/Th2 differentiation;2) biology of inflammatory cells, including mast cells and eosinophils;3) biology of T cells;4) cell receptors critically involved in allergic reactions;5) signal transduction;6) inflammatory mediators/cytokines;7) functions of epithelial cells;and 7) adhesion. The goals of the program are 1) to provide trainees with a basic understanding of pathogenesis of allergic diseases;and 2) to foster the development of trainee's investigative skills, in particular, applying molecular and cellular biological approaches to study mechanisms of diseases. The program is open to MD's and Ph.D.'s interested in disease-oriented problems and committed to a career in basic research in clinical sciences. The trainee's are expected to devote full time to research, and training will be supplemented by conferences, seminars, journal clubs and courses. It can be expected that trainees will develop a solid background in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and molecular and cellular mechanisms of allergic inflammation and become qualified and confident in embarking upon their careers as independent investigators in allergy research. The broad expertise and experience the trainees acquire will prepare them for independent research in biomedicine.