The study of immunology and the practice of medicine are inextricably linked, with findings that are essential to understanding, treating and preventing diseases.
Whether investigating the immune responses involved in pregnancy-related conditions or the pathology of asthma and other allergic diseases, our researchers are dedicated to unraveling the complexities of the immune system and applying this knowledge to improve patient care. Other areas of interest within this research group include:
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- Autoimmunity and immunometabolism
- Immune mechanisms of allergic diseases and asthma
- Reproductive immunology
- T-cell therapy and vaccine development
Labs and Facilities
As members of the broader VCU research community, students, trainees and faculty in the department have access to state-of-the-art core facilities across the MCV Campus. This includes the Flow Cytometry Shared Resource, led by faculty member Rebecca Martin, Ph.D., which offers multiple flow cytometers and other cutting-edge instruments and technologies.
Faculty
Explore faculty research interests and recent publications by clicking the photos below.
Wook-Jin Chae, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Wook-Jin Chae, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Harrison Scholar / CCTR Scholar
Massey Cancer Center / Phillips Oral Health Research Institute
Research Interests
• Pathological mechanisms of oral health diseases (periodontitis and gingivitis)
• Regulatory mechanisms of pulmonary injury, inflammation and repair via Wnt and Dickkopf1
• Mechanisms of Dickkopf1-mediated tumorigenesis and metastasis
• Chemical/oral bacteria-mediated inflammation and its implication in oral cancer
Email: wook-jin.chae@vcuhealth.org
Masoud H. Manjili, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Professor
Masoud H. Manjili, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Research Interests
• Immunotherapeutic targeting of cancer dormancy
• Hepatic immunological patterns associated with fatty liver disease and liver cancer
• The adaptation model of immunity
Email: masoud.manjili@vcuhealth.org
Rebecca K. Martin, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Rebecca K. Martin, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Microbiology and Immunology
Scientific Director, VCU Post-baccalaureate Research and Education Program
Research Interests
• Immune mechanisms of allergic disease
• Helminth infection and allergic asthma
Email: rebecca.martin@vcuhealth.org
Eun Lee, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Eun Lee, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Research Interests
• Immunological consequences of pregnancy-related diseases (preeclampsia, IUGR, preterm birth and spontaneous miscarriage)
• Functional roles of ERAP2 in peptide processing and presentation to immune cells
• Targeting ERAP2 to develop translational cancer therapy
Email: eun.lee@vcuhealth.org