Center for Fundamental Immunology

The Center for Fundamental Immunology investigates the immune system to understand how it works in health and disease. We employ a variety of methods to examine the immune system function at the genetic, molecular and cellular levels. These include developing novel model systems of autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which are used to determine how the activity of the immune system is regulated, and to understand how these regulatory mechanisms break down during autoimmunity, allergy, asthma and COVID-19. We also leverage samples from healthy subjects as well patients with different immune-mediated diseases to study immune system function and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Leadership


Daniel-Campbell-PhD

Daniel Campbell, PhD
Center Director, Fundamental Immunology
Member, Campbell Lab

Research Laboratories 


Bettelli Laboratory
Identifying the cell types of the immune system and mechanisms, which induce and regulate the development of autoimmunity

Campbell Laboratory 
Understanding the basis for T cell activation, function and tolerance

Hamerman Laboratory
Understanding the process of inflammation and how it is regulated by specific subsets of myeloid cells

Harrison Laboratory
Understanding the mechanisms controlling host-microbe interactions at barrier sites such as the skin and the gastrointestinal tract

Lacy-Hulbert & Stuart Laboratory
Understanding how different aspects of the immune system cooperate to identify and combat potentially infectious organisms while preventing immune attack against innocuous microbes or the body’s own self

Vernon Laboratory
Understanding how extracellular matrix regulates the behaviors of T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) of the immune system

Ziegler Laboratory 
Focusing on the development and regulation of the immune system. 

Core Laboratories


Cell & Tissue Analysis Core Lab

The Cell and Tissue Analysis Core Laboratory analyzes, selects, sorts and identifies cells in a variety of parameters. The laboratory offers state-of-the-art instruments for investigators' use including analyzing flow cytometers, cell sorters and software.

Histology Core Lab

The Histology/Imaging (H/I) Core provides comprehensive histology and imaging services to BRI investigators and their collaborators. The H/I Core is divided into two service elements: the Histology Core Laboratory (HCL) and the Imaging Core Laboratory (ICL). 

The HCL utilizes high-throughput, automated equipment for tissue infiltration, paraffin or OCT embedment, sectioning (microtomy, cryotomy, and vibrotomy), mounting of sections on slides, staining with histological dyes or immunohistochemical agents and coverslipping. The HCL can also perform cytospins. HCL services are available to investigators at BRI and (for research purposes only) to Virginia Mason personnel as well as to investigators from other institutions.

The ICL contains a selection of digital camera-equipped, wide-field light microscopes for viewing and recording images from microscope slides, cultured cells and whole-mounted specimens.