Another area of emerging research interest is skin immunology. As a preeminent site of barrier immunity, with sparse microbial colonization, ongoing physical trauma, and a requirement to protect from invading pathogens, the skin represents a key and understudied immunologic site. We have explored the positioning of skin immune subsets and their relationship to stromal and epithelial cells. One particular area of interest, in collaboration with Dr. S. Noble at UCSF, is understanding how immune cell positioning and function impact fungal colonization and infection.