The Advanced Immunology and Microbial Sciences division is a connection point for multidisciplinary scientists at TGen with a combined mission of positively impacting human health through the understanding of the interaction between humans and disease agents. We use advanced genomics and immunological tools to better understand pathogens, cancers, and the environment to improve the health of patients and populations.

David Engelthaler, Ph.D.
Professor and Director
Immunology and Microbial Genomics Division 
Sunil Sharma, M.D., F.A.C.P., M.B.A.
Professor and Director
Immunology and Microbial Genomics Division 
John Altin, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Immunology and Microbial Genomics Division 
J Gregory Caporaso, Ph.D.
Professor
Immunology and Microbial Genomics Division 
Crystal Hepp, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Immunology and Microbial Genomics Division 
Keehoon Lee, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor
Immunology and Microbial Genomics Division 
Heather Mead, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor
Immunology and Microbial Genomics Division 
Raffaella Soldi, Ph.D.
Research Associate Professor
Immunology and Microbial Genomics Division 
TGen Collaboration Tackles Respiratory Viruses at Point of Care

A collaboration between TGen, part of City of Hope, Ginkgo Bioworks and an international team of scientists aims to create a fast, easy-to-use metagenomic sequencing tool dubbed RANGER that helps hospitals and healthcare facilities quickly diagnose respiratory viruses. Metagenomic sequencing is a powerful tool used to study the genetic material of entire microbial communities, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms, without needing to isolate or culture them first. The results provide insights into the hidden world of microbes.

Read Article

TGen appoints Dr. Aleksandar Sekulic as Physician-in-Chief

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, today announced the appointment of Aleksandar Sekulic, M.D., Ph.D., a distinguished physician-scientist known for his work in skin cancer treatment and clinical research, as Physician-in-Chief. Dr. Sekulic specializes in immunotherapy and targeted therapies for a range of skin cancers, from melanoma to rare types of cutaneous lymphoma and epidermal neoplasms. His patient care approach integrates advanced treatments with a focus on individual needs, ensuring comprehensive, whole-person care.

Read Article

Targeting “Zombie” Cells Offers New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

NIH grant funds TGen research on senescent cells in pancreatic cancer therapy

Read Article

TGen researchers create spatial map of gene expression in pulmonary fibrosis

A unique spatial map of gene expression in 1.6 million cells from the lungs of people with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and healthy controls revealed a surprising discovery: some lung tissue in these patients shows signs of the disease before significant structural remodeling of the tissue occurs. The finding by a team of researchers co-led by TGen, part of City of Hope, could point to future therapeutic strategies that treat PF patients based on their individual stage of cellular and molecular remodeling.

Read Article

Canine Cancer Genome Project Enters Phase II -Omics

A team of researchers from Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, Ethos Discovery and Tufts University, has launched an extensive genomics and proteomics profiling study on Canine Osteosarcoma, B-cell Lymphoma, and Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS). This initiative is part of the Canine Cancer Genome Project (CCGP), originally funded by the Blue Buffalo Foundation and Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF).

Read Article








The Human Microbiome and Precision Medicine
TGen’s Pathogen and Microbiome Division (TGen North) advances work with the human microbiome. The scientists at TGen North explain how the world of these tiny microbes affects our health and how our health affects our microbiome. At TGen, our team of microbial explorers make the future of health science happen today.

 
Get our stories delivered