524 Scaife Hall

412-648-8957

http://www.gradbiomed.pitt.edu

gradstudies@medschool.pitt.edu

The Molecular Virology and Microbiology (MVM) Program features cutting-edge research in molecular virology, the pathogenesis of infectious disease, and the nature of host-pathogen interactions. This research is highly interdisciplinary, combining molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology, structural and computational biology, and clinical science to provide a broad understanding of microbiology as an integrated discipline in the biomedical sciences. Current research foci include the immunology of infectious disease, the biology of persistent infections, oncogenic viruses, the regulation of host and pathogen gene expression during infection, development of viral vectors for gene therapy, development of vaccines and microbicides to prevent infection, and discovery and development of drugs to treat infectious diseases. Research in these areas ranges from basic science through translational research to clinical studies in order to expedite the application of new discoveries in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Faculty members are located in numerous departments (clinical and basic science) and the Schools of Medicine, Public Health, and Arts and Sciences throughout the campus. The MVM program offers courses, seminars, laboratory rotations, and research training opportunities to provide a stimulating and supportive environment for the education of independent scientists who will make significant research contributions toward advancing the understanding of host-pathogen relationships.