Infectious Disease and Immunology

MUSM is a hub for a wide variety of research into infectious diseases and immunology. Our faculty lead the field in herpesvirus research, as well as neuroimmunology and immune system-tumor interactions.

Funding Organizations

  • National Institute on Allergy and Infectious Disease
  • National Cancer Institute

INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH FACULTY

  • Visalli, Robert

    Robert Visalli, PhD

    Savannah

    The Visalli laboratory uses human and animal herpesviruses as model organisms to understand the mechanism of viral genome (DNA) encapsidation.
    Read faculty bio

  • Gretchen Bentz

    Gretchen Bentz, PhD

    Macon

    Dr. Bentz’s research focuses on the Epstein-Barr virus, a ubiquitous herpesvirus that establishes a lifelong latent infection within the host.
    Read faculty bio

  • Sung-Jae Cha, PhD

    Macon

    Dr. Cha’s lab investigates vector-borne diseases using molecular biology, immunology, and genetic
    approaches.
    Read faculty bio

  • Uchakin, Peter

    Peter Uchakin, PhD

    Macon

    Dr. Uchakin’s lab studies the regulatory role of the immune system in the development of stress response
    as part of the Psycho-Neuro-Endo-Immune network.
    Read faculty bio"

  • Wendilywn Walker headshot

    Wendy Walker, PhD

    Columbus

    Dr. Walker’s lab investigates how innate immune pathways and physiological processes contribute to
    sepsis.