Immunology and Nano-Medicine

Research at Department of Immunology and Nano-Medicine is mainly focused on molecular and cellular aspects to investigate the interactive role of recreational drugs and HIV-1 infection on human immune system. The work involves unraveling the mechanism of immunopathogenesis and neuropathogenesis of HIV-1 infection, which will help to develop novel therapeutic strategies to reduce drug addiction and HIV disease in drug abusing HIV-1 infected patients. The department also conducts research on developing nanocarrier drug delivery systems to target therapeutic molecules across the blood-brain barrier to treat primarily drug addiction and NeuroAIDS. The department's goal is to promote translational research and training in immunological techniques related to drug use/abuse, HIV infection and drug targeting approach for graduate and postgraduate levels.

Message from the Chair

I am very privileged and honored to be the Founding Chair of the Department of Immunology and Nano-Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Director of the Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Associate-Dean of Bio-Medical Research, and Associate VP for Nano-Medicine at Florida International University. The Department of Immunology and Nano-Medicine has been engaged in various immunologic investigations including how these studies can be better translated into Personalized Nano-Medicine aimed at various disease conditions, including HIV infection, substance abuse, different central nervous system diseases particularly in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, various neurocognitive impairments diseases associated with aging, cancers, and emerging infectious diseases such as Zika and Ebola. Further, the development of immunology and nano-medicine-based pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals for clinical applications in these diseases are the core activities of the department’s research activities. All these research investigations have been based on the basic premise of using innovative nanotechnology approaches and unique drug delivery methods that aim to tailor intervention strategies in patient and disease-specific needs using state-of-the-art Nano-Medicine applications. Furthermore, the goal of the Department is also to provide training in neuro-immunological and nano-technological methods to undergraduate, medical, and graduate students. Every member of the department is expected to be honest, transparent, and have integrity consistent with the vision of the Department of Immunology and Nano-Medicine, the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, and overall, FIU.

Madhavan P. Nair, Ph.D.
Professor and Founding Chair, Department of Immunology and Nano-Medicine
Director, Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology
Associate Dean of Bio-Medical Research and Associate VP for Nano-Medicine

Contact us

Florida International University
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Immunology and Nano-Medicine
11200 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33199

Tel: 305-348-0570
Fax: 305-348-0123