Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics

Initiated with the UC San Diego Department of Pediatrics, the unique Division of Host-Microbe Systems & Therapeutics (HMS&T) brings together a diverse group of scientists and physicians performing interdisciplinary research to understand the interactions of humans and the microbial world in both health and disease. Of note, the administrative headquarters of CHARM are located within the Division of HMS&T.

HMS&T Mission and Goals

The Division applies fundamental principles of microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, -OMICs (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and the human microbiome) and systems biology in order to better understand the pathogenesis of common infectious diseases and inflammatory disorders. This insight inspires innovative discovery programs and translational studies of new drugs and interventions to restore optimal health in childhood and throughout life.  

Visit the Division of HMS&T Website

Division of HMS&T Faculty Investigators

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The Division has 14 faculty members and nearly 100 research scientists, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. Basic and translational research programs in infection biology  provide new insights into the molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis and the function of host immunity, with a focus on exploiting these discoveries for new treatment strategies for drug-resistant bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. Microbiome studies study how our normal flora  constantly interact with, and help shape, our immune systems. A robust Pharmacometrics Unit is recognized internationally for its leadership in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling.

CHARM Collaboration Contact:  Victor Nizet, MD  (Division Chief of HMS&T)

CHARM ↔ Division of HMS&T Collaborations

CHARM Faculty in the Division of HMS&T are seeking therapies for drug-resistant pathogens afrom genome-driven high throughput chemical biology screens, systems biology approaches, targeted neutralization of virulence phenotypes, pharmacologic augmentation of host innate immune functions, modulation of host inflammatory responses, reversal of antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and prophylactic vaccines. Likewise, we are exploring links between the human microbiome and infection susceptibililty to inspire novel diagnostic, preventative and therapeutic interventions.  

 

The Microbes Around Us

The bacteria that colonize humans and our indoor environments (e.g. homes and hospitals) influence our health in important ways. HMS&T family members performed a landmark study to show how microbial communities differed substantially among indoor environments, and that this microbiome was largely sourced from humans, with important implications for the spread and control of antibiotic resistance

Read at Science Magazine