A biological approach to global health challenges
Evolution has refined the immune system and the stealthy viruses that thwart our natural frontline defenses against infection. The Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy takes advantage of these natural systems to create novel therapies for cancer and infectious diseases.
Our research focuses on understanding how microbial pathogens cause disease and the cellular and systemic mechanisms used by animal and human hosts to respond immunologically to pathogens and vaccines.
Director
Grant McFadden
Grant McFadden studies how poxviruses cause immunomodulation through interactions with the host immune system. He has pioneered the field of viral immune subversion (called “anti-immunology”) and is credited with the discovery of a wide spectrum of virus-derived inhibitors of the immune system. He also investigates host-virus tropism and the deployment of poxviruses for oncolytic virotherapy for the treatment of cancer, particularly with a rabbit-specific poxvirus called myxoma virus (MYXV).
Meet our center’s experts
Our center is supported by a knowledgeable team of researchers, staff and visionary leaders who are at the leading edge of their fields.
Support the Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy
Designing and using vaccines and protein therapeutics to combat infectious diseases.