Center for Microbe and Immunity Research
The Center for Microbe and Immunity Research (CMIR) is focused on fundamental and translational research on common and emerging microbial infections, and diseases of immune dysfunction. CMIR investigators are highly collaborative and work with clinicians to pioneer multidisciplinary research on infectious diseases, and mechanisms to harness the immune system to prevent or treat infectious diseases that are of significant health concern. The center supports cutting-edge research aimed at characterizing microbial pathogenesis and defining protective or detrimental immune responses to infectious diseases and translating this knowledge to innovate and improve therapeutics and vaccines.
Our Goals
- Develop a greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which microorganisms establish infection and cause, or prevent, diseases and how the host calibrates the immune response to different disease states.
- Identify innate and adaptive immune mechanisms that provide protection against infectious microorganisms or that lead to aberrant immune function.
- Maximize opportunities to grow and expand collaborative infectious disease research and clinical management.
Areas of Focus
- Childhood and adult respiratory pathogens (e.g., Haemophilus influenzae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus and respiratory syncytial virus)
- Oral and gastrointestinal pathogens and diseases (e.g., hepatitis, Porphyromonas, Salmonella)
- Acute, persistent, and chronic infections (e.g. Cytomegalovirus, Hepatitis C, Neisseria, Staphylococcus)
- Health and diseases associated with biofilms, microbiota and polymicrobial infections (e.g., cystic fibrosis, dental caries and oral health, otitis media)
Meet Our Leadership
John Gunn
John S. Gunn, PhD, is interim director and a principal investigator in the Center for Microbe and Immunity Research at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He is also a professor in the Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Dr. Gunn is an associate director of the Ohio State Infectious Diseases Institute and the faculty director of the Biomedical Science Major.
Join Our Team
The team at the Center for Microbe and Immunity Research is growing. Click the link below to view current job listings and to learn more about careers at Nationwide Children's Hospital.