The Cornell Center for Immunology leverages Cornell University’s unique strengths and builds synergistic collaborations across the University’s campuses, schools, departments, and disciplines to enhance research capacity and scientific discovery in immunologic sciences.
2025 Multidisciplinary Seed Grant Awardees
The Cornell Center for Immunology is pleased to announce three innovative projects that have been awarded 2025 Multidisciplinary Seed Grants in Immunology. These grants demonstrate our commitment to supporting multidisciplinary investigative teams as they collaborate on complex questions in immunology and develop innovative, discovery-driven technologies.
2025 Grant Projects:
Sarah Caddy, Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Meng Wang, Assistant Professor of Nutritional Sciences at the College of Human Ecology
“Evaluating the effect of endogenous formaldehyde on immune responses to viruses” – $50,000
In this work, the researchers will explore how a common genetic variant found in millions of people might naturally enhance the immune system’s ability to fight viruses. Their research focuses on how elevating a naturally produced metabolite in the body, formaldehyde, could play a role in activating immune cells. Understanding this process could lead to better vaccines and new ways to strengthen the body’s natural defenses against infections and even cancer.
Tobias Doerr, Associate Professor of Microbiology at the Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, and Brian Lazzaro, Liberty Hyde Bailey Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the College of Arts and Sciences
“Role of dynamic interactions between innate immunity and bacterial stress responses in shaping infection outcomes” – $50,000
This work will investigate the interplay between the body’s natural immune functions and bacterial responses, and how this relationship determines infection outcomes. Using fruit flies and a common disease-causing bacterium (Enterobacter cloacae), the work will study how the immune system and bacteria interact to determine the course of an infection. Their findings could help improve treatments for bacterial infections by better understanding how the body’s natural defenses and bacteria’s survival strategies influence disease outcomes.
Andrew White, Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Colleen Lau, Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
“Harnessing Cytokine-Induced Memory-Like Natural Killer Cells to Synergize with BRAF/MEKi Therapy in Melanoma” – $50,000
Combining immune-boosting strategies with targeted cancer therapies, this research will explore ways to help the immune system fight melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. Testing a special type of immune cells, the researchers are working to see if these cells can work alongside existing treatments to eliminate residual cancer cells and prevent relapse. Their ultimate goal is to develop more effective treatments for patients with melanoma.
Support for this grant mechanism is provided by the Cornell Center for Immunology, Friedman Center for Nutrition and Inflammation and Cornell Research and Innovation
Intercampus Immunology
Work-In-Progress Series
Spring 2025
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 12:00-1:00 PM
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 12:00-1:00 PM
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 12:00-1:00 PM
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 12:00-1:00 PM
