The oral cavity is exposed to an immense amount of diverse microorganisms, and the oral mucosal immune system must prevents pathogen entry while maintaining immune homeostasis. Since the oral cavity contains distinct anatomical mucosal surfaces, it is likely that each area comprises unique immunological features enabling it to act appropriately against a specific immunological challenge. Such activity might achieved via a range of mechanisms that may resemble or differ from those utilized by the gastrointestinal immune system. The Hovav lab studies the development of the oral mucosal immune system, as well as its function at steady state, infection, disease and cancer.