Why We're Here
The Mucosal and Vaccine Research Center (MAVRC) is focused to provide
a stimulating and productive center of excellence to understand
mucosal biology and disease. Mucosal tissues are the moist surfaces
of the body in contact with the environment. They include the nasal,
oral, respiratory, intestinal, urinary, and reproductive tracts. Mucosal
surfaces provide a dynamic interaction between the host and their
world. These surfaces most often successfully exclude harmful elements
from the body. However, the most common infections and cancers begin
at the mucosa. Such infections include pneumonia, ear and urinary
tract infections, gingivitis, diarrhea and HIV/AIDS. Mucosal cancers
include those of the lung, colon, breast, and prostate.
A deeper and more creative exploration of the role of mucosal biology
in both supporting and preventing infections and cancer will lead
to new approaches to limit the devastating effects of these problems
in the world. Creative solutions can only succeed if medical, veterinary,
and dental researchers (epidemiological, basic, and clinical) work
and think together across national and preconceived boundaries.
MAVRC aims to provide such a dynamic nexus of communication for
this search, to foster and facilitate the development of collaborative,
interdisciplinary research programs in mucosal biology, immunology
and vaccine development.
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