Immunology and Infectious Diseases
The Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases (IID) focuseson the biological, immunological, epidemiological, and ecologicalaspects of viral, bacterial, protozoan, and helminthic diseases of animaland humans and the vectors that transmit some of these infectiousagents.
Research in the department emphasizesbasic pathogenic mechanisms thatmay lead to better diagnostic tools, thedevelopment of vaccines and other interventionsfor prevention and control of infectionand disease, and the identification ofnew targets for antiviral and antiparasiticdrugs. Laboratory-based research within theschool may be supplemented by field-basedstudies of epidemiological and ecologicalaspects of infectious disease transmissionand control. Diseases of developing countriesare emphasized.
Members of the department take a multidisciplinaryapproach that includes immunology, molecular biology, public health entomology,cell biology and ultrastructure,biochemistry, pathology, virology, epidemiology,and ecology. The faculty undertakesre search both within the school and aroundthe world.
Infectious diseases currently under studyinclude protozoa (malaria and leishmania),helminths such as schistosomes, viruses(HIVs, leukemia retroviruses, West Nile andeastern equine encephalitis), and bacteria(Lyme disease agents, ehrlichia, tuberculosis).Further immunologic studies focus ongenetic regulation of the immune response,the function and regulation of T-cell-derivedcytokines, and cytokines involved in the regulationof inflammation.
Degree Programs in Immunology and Infectious Diseases
As described below, the department offersdoctor of science (SD) and doctor of philosophy(PhD) degree programs. No master ofscience programs are available.
Students in both programs choose amongthe areas of interest described below:
Immunology The curriculum for this areaof interest currently focuses on genetic regulationof the immune response and thefunction and regulation of T-cell-derivedcytokines. Students take courses in cell biology,immunology, and molecular immunology.
Immunology and molecular biology of parasitic and other infections This areaof interest introduces students to recentadvances in the biology of parasitic andinfectious diseases and provides backgroundfor conducting research on thesediseases. The program emphasizes molecularbiology, immunology, cell biology, andthe epidemiology of parasites.
Infectious disease epidemiology and tropical public health This area of interest providesa solid understanding of epidemiology,ecology, and control of infectious diseasesin developing countries. It emphasizescontrol and prevention measures andthe biological basis of diseases caused bypathogens that range from viruses to parasites.
Vector biology, ecology, and control Thisarea of interest focuses on the manner inwhich blood-feeding arthropods interactwith their various vertebrate hosts and withthe human pathogens that they transmit.This area combines biological experimentation,epidemiological analysis, and populationstudies. Students become familiar withthe various arthropods that are associatedwith human disease and learn the waysenvironmental change may result in illhealth. Students conduct studies on mechanismsof transmission of vector-bornepathogens, both in the laboratory and inthe field, and devise novel interventionstrategies.
Virology This area of interest is designedto prepare a future generation of experts fornew developments in the pathogenesis andprevention of AIDS and other infectious diseases.At present the program emphasizesthe epidemiology, biology, and vaccinologyof AIDS as an example of a complex infectiousdisease. Students take courses invirology, vaccine development, and relatedfields.
Doctor of Science in Immunology and Infectious Diseases
The SD program is designed for those interestedin immunology, molecular biology,virology, and the epidemiology of infectiousdiseases. The program prepares studentsfor postdoctoral research fellowships; juniorfaculty positions at academic institutions;and positions in independent scientificresearch institutions, governmental agencies,and the biotechnology industry.
Applicants to the SD program must have aclinical degree (MD, DVM, DMD, or equivalent).Candidates must have adequate backgroundin modern biology, including microbiology;must identify an area of studyand specific project; and must obtain theapproval of an IID mentor before applying.
This program aims to develop the basicskills in laboratory techniques and data handlingnecessary for undertaking original research. Course selection will largely dependon the student’s area of work and chosenadviser. Courses may be taken at HarvardMedical School, the Harvard GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, and MIT, aswell as at HSPH.
Students are encouraged to participate inthe numerous seminar series and informaldiscussion groups offered on the HarvardLongwood campus. The departmentemphasizes publication of research resultsin the standard research literature, andmost doctoral students publish severalpapers before completing the degree. Thedissertation is based on intensive laboratoryresearch under the guidance of a facultyadviser in the student’s area of interest.Students choose a faculty adviser whoseresearch interests match their own whenbeginning to research their thesis topic. Forinformation about schoolwide requirementsfor doctoral degrees, see degree programs and requirements.
Limited funding is available to qualified SDstudents who are U.S. citizens or permanentresidents. A training grant from theNIH Fogarty Institute also provides somesupport for international students.
Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences in Public Health (Immunology and Infectious Diseases)
Students wishing to study cellular andmolecular biology, immunology, virology, orphysiology as it pertains to major problemsin public health should apply to the PhDprogram offered by the Division of Biological Sciences through the Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.The PhD program is designed to train scientistsin state-of-the-art concepts andmethods in immunology, immune systemdisorders, virology, the biology of parasites,or important infectious diseases. Formore information about the PhD program,see web site.
Related Offerings
Contact Information
For more information about the SD program in immunology and infectious diseases or other departmental inquiries, please contact:
Andrea Sabaroff
Administrative Coordinator
Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases
651 Huntington Avenue
Boston MA 02115
Phone: 617-432-1023
Fax: 617-739-8348
Web: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/departments/immunology-and-infectious-diseases
For the PhD Program in Biological Sciences in Public Health, online submissions are encouraged, using the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) application form available at the web address below: