Niki M. Moutsopoulos, D.D.S., Ph.D., Chief

The vision of the Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome (LHIM) is to comprehensively examine the factors controlling immunity and inflammation, whether they are host intrinsic (e.g., tissue-specific or the consequence of tissue-tissue communication) or extrinsic (e.g., involving the microbiota, nutrition, or infection). One major goal of the laboratory is to assess the consequences of environmental stress, such as microbiota colonization, nutrition, and pollution, on host immunity and predisposition to chronic inflammatory disorders at barrier surfaces, such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory mucosa, in the context of early life and into adulthood. The laboratory also seeks to explore novel microbiota-mediated and immunotherapeutic approaches to target human (mucosal) disease. The laboratory is built upon strong clinical-basic research foundations and partnerships with the NIH Clinical Center and the NIAID Microbiome Program.

LHIM has been specifically organized to maximize the capacity of its investigators to conduct cutting-edge research. It is home to the NIAID Microbiome Program,  which supports microbiome-related research through gnotobiotic, microbiology, and genomic core services. A major emphasis of LHIM is to promote collaborations between the laboratories within NIAID, as well as with the larger NIH (including the larger NIH immunology community) and extramural scientific communities. LHIM also has a strong emphasis on mentorship and fostering the next generation of scientific leaders.  

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