The Baylor Institute for Immunology Research (BIIR) is among the top translational immunology research centers in the world. Scientists at BIIR most particularly concentrate their efforts on the study of dendritic cells, rare cells that turn on and regulate immune responses with the goal of bringing relief to diseases involving the immune system.

Cancer Vaccines: We have demonstrated that vaccination with tumor antigen-loaded DCs may lead to induction of therapeutic immunity in patients with metastatic melanoma.

Watch an interview with the first recipient of our cancer vaccine.
A video describing the steps in vaccine development can be viewed here.

Autoimmune Diseases: Our studies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) revealed a fundamental role of IFN alpha in disease pathogenesis leading to novel therapeutic approaches.

View a video of one family's experience here.

Infectious Diseases: We aim at the generation of improved vaccines against infectious agents. 

Organ Transplantation: We are seeking ways to make the recipient's immune system tolerate / accept the engrafted organ and improve the prognosis for organ transplant patients.