The National Institute of Immunology (NII) is an autonomous premier research institution under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. We are dedicated to advanced research in immunology, infectious diseases, and vaccine development to address global health challenges.
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The National Institute of Immunology was established in 1981 with the mandate to conduct advanced research in immunology and related disciplines. Our vision is to become a global leader in immunological research and translate scientific discoveries into innovative healthcare solutions.
Located in the heart of New Delhi, NII operates as an autonomous institution under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. We foster a multidisciplinary research environment where scientists collaborate across specialties to unravel the complexities of the immune system.
Our research spans from basic immunological mechanisms to applied clinical research, with particular emphasis on infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, cancer immunology, and reproductive health. The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure that supports cutting-edge research in molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology, and bioinformatics.
World-class laboratories and instrumentation
Ph.D. and postdoctoral programs of excellence
The NII campus spans over 10 acres in Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, housing advanced research facilities, administrative buildings, student hostels, and a library with extensive digital resources.
Explore FacilitiesOur research addresses fundamental questions in immunology and translates findings into therapeutic applications.
Developing novel vaccines and therapeutics for tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and emerging pathogens. Our researchers study host-pathogen interactions to identify new targets for intervention.
Investigating tumor microenvironment, immune evasion mechanisms, and developing immunotherapies. We explore checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cells, and cancer vaccine strategies.
Understanding mechanisms of immune tolerance breakdown and developing treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Studying immunological aspects of pregnancy, fetal development, and fertility. Research includes implantation, placental development, and immunology of reproductive disorders.
Using X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and NMR to determine structures of immune receptors, antigens, and signaling molecules to inform rational drug design.
Applying bioinformatics, machine learning, and systems biology approaches to analyze large-scale immunological data and model immune system dynamics.
NII researchers have developed a promising new vaccine candidate for tuberculosis that shows enhanced protection in preclinical models. The vaccine, based on a novel antigen combination, has entered Phase I clinical trials.
This research represents over a decade of work studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis and host immune responses. The candidate aims to provide better protection than the current BCG vaccine, especially in adult populations.
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Our scientists have identified new immune checkpoint molecules that regulate T cell exhaustion in solid tumors, opening avenues for next-generation immunotherapies.
Using single-cell RNA sequencing and functional assays, the team characterized tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from multiple cancer types. The findings have led to collaborations with pharmaceutical companies to develop new therapeutic antibodies.
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NII structural biologists have solved the crystal structure of a key innate immune receptor complex, revealing novel mechanisms of pathogen recognition and signaling initiation.
The high-resolution structure provides a blueprint for designing small molecule modulators of innate immunity. This work was published in Nature Immunology and has been cited over 200 times since publication.
View PublicationsNII offers premier research training programs to nurture the next generation of immunologists and biomedical scientists.
Our flagship doctoral program admits students through the Joint Graduate Entrance Examination for Biology and Interdisciplinary Life Sciences (JGEEBILS). Students undertake rigorous coursework followed by intensive laboratory research.
The program emphasizes interdisciplinary training with access to cutting-edge technologies and collaborative research opportunities.
NII offers competitive postdoctoral positions for recent Ph.D. graduates to conduct independent research under the mentorship of senior faculty. Fellows receive training in grant writing, project management, and scientific communication.
Our postdoctoral alumni have secured faculty positions at leading institutions worldwide and positions in biotech and pharmaceutical industries.
NII offers summer research fellowships for undergraduate and postgraduate students from Indian universities. Selected students work on research projects for 8-10 weeks under the guidance of NII faculty.
Eligibility: Students pursuing B.Tech/B.E., M.Sc., or MBBS in relevant disciplines with excellent academic records.
Application Period: November to January annually
Stipend: ₹10,000 per month plus accommodation
Many summer fellows continue to pursue research careers and join NII's Ph.D. program.
NII welcomes national and international scientists for short-term collaborative visits. The program facilitates knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and initiation of joint research projects.
Duration: 1 week to 6 months
Support: Accommodation and per diem provided
Application: Through formal invitation by NII faculty
NII houses state-of-the-art research infrastructure managed by expert technical staff.
Next-generation sequencing platforms (Illumina NovaSeq, MiSeq), real-time PCR systems, mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), protein purification systems, and microarray scanners.
Confocal microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, live-cell imaging, electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), and image analysis workstations with advanced software.
High-performance computing cluster, bioinformatics software suite, genomic databases, and dedicated staff for computational analysis support.
Multi-laser flow cytometers with cell sorting capabilities (BD FACSAria, Beckman Coulter MoFlo), spectral analyzers, and dedicated BSL-2 sorting facilities.
AAALAC-accredited specific pathogen-free (SPF) animal facility with transgenic/gene knockout mouse generation, imaging, and behavioral testing capabilities.
X-ray crystallography setup, cryo-electron microscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and computational modeling workstations for protein structure determination.
NII researchers consistently publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
Authors: Sharma A., Patel R., Singh M., et al. | Journal: Nature Immunology | Year: 2023 | Impact Factor: 31.25
This study reveals how T cell receptors achieve specificity while maintaining cross-reactivity, with implications for autoimmune disease and vaccine design.
Authors: Kumar S., Desai V., Nair R., et al. | Journal: Science Translational Medicine | Year: 2023 | Impact Factor: 17.99
Development of a nanoparticle-based malaria vaccine that elicits broad and durable antibody responses in preclinical models.
Authors: Mehta P., Joshi A., Reddy K., et al. | Journal: Cell Host & Microbe | Year: 2023 | Impact Factor: 21.02
Identification of specific bacterial metabolites that promote regulatory T cell differentiation and suppress intestinal inflammation.
Authors: Verma R., Gupta S., Yadav P., et al. | Journal: Immunity | Year: 2022 | Impact Factor: 32.48
Comprehensive profiling of exhausted T cells across multiple cancer types identifies new surface receptors for therapeutic targeting.
We partner with leading research organizations worldwide.
Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Near JNU Campus
New Delhi 110067, India
+91-11-26717100
+91-11-26717101 (Administration)
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[email protected] (Academic queries)
+91-11-26717102
