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Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch

Single, large, smooth, purple cell structure with yellow, clustered viruses attached

Improving health by conducting high-impact epidemiological research on infections, the immune system, and cancer.

Investigators in the Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch (IIB) conduct multidisciplinary epidemiologic studies to clarify the relationship of infectious agents and alterations in the immune system to human cancer.  

Read about IIB's contributions to improving public health.

Research Mission

IIB conducts epidemiologic research on 1) infectious agents with established or postulated associations with cancer and 2) immune variation relevant for cancer risk, including conditions such as severe immunosuppression, autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and genetic factors. The Branch focuses on etiologic studies and looks for opportunities to translate those findings to cancer prevention, risk stratification, screening, and clinical medicine.

Our research has broad relevance in reducing health disparities, since certain infections related to cancer disproportionately affect people living in lower- and middle-income countries and disadvantaged groups within the United States. Approximately 15% of all cancers worldwide (23% in developing countries and 9% in developed countries) are attributable to infectious agents. Immunity and inflammation also play an important role in the etiology of cancer.

Learn more about IIB's research areas.

3D renderings of the human papillomavirus (HPV) capsid (pink) in the foreground. Background image of transmission electron micrograph of HPV virus particles (green).
Rare Cancers Possibly Caused by Viruses

Data from the HIV/AIDS and Transplant Cancer Match Studies reveal higher incidence rates for immunocompromised populations.

Fellowships

Working closely with tenured and tenure-track investigators, IIB fellows take lead responsibility for analyzing and summarizing previously collected data. Senior staff assist in writing manuscripts and bringing these to publication in the peer-reviewed scientific literature. Fellows become familiar with the entire IIB portfolio and are encouraged to participate in on-going and newly proposed studies within the Branch and throughout the Division.

IIB Research Highlights

View a list of IIB publications.

photograph of the JNCI monograph cover showing a hand holding a syringe
JNCI Monograph on Single-Dose HPV Vaccine Protection

Evidence crosses geographies, providing opportunities to reduce program costs and expand coverage.
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