The Immunology Ph.D. Program is an interdepartmental program offering training in immunology and related biomedical sciences. These include studies of B and T lymphocytes, natural killer cells and the specific tissues and organs which contribute to host defenses. The program has a strong molecular component and thus many of the laboratories have focused on one or a few molecules in the various immune responses. Among these are major histocompatibility molecules, T cell receptors and immunoglobulins.
Studies range from gene expression to evolution to protein biochemistry and structure.
Also strongly represented are studies concerning signaling cascades in B and T lymphocytes beginning with the characteristics of the key recognition molecules, to ion channels and continuing on to intermediary molecules and changes in gene expression, cellular behavior and phenotype. A third major strength of the program is that the wealth of new tools and understanding available to immunologists now allows many new approaches to be taken to serious diseases. As communication and cooperation are of vital importance in a fast-moving area like immunology, we have weekly seminars, journal clubs and an annual retreat to foster as much interaction as possible between students and groups in the immunology community at Stanford. Faculty and their Research Interests View the Immunology program faculty and research interests.