Heme In AD

Heme In AD

The blood brain barrier breaks down in age and disease, causing an influx of heme and Hg, potent immuno-modulators, to the brain. We study the effects on astrocytes and microglia.

Macrophage activation is crucial for pathogen clearance and tissue recovery. We seek to understand and employ the polarization dynamics for novel applications. 

Macrophage  Dynamics

Macrophage  Dynamics

Mild repetitive traumatic brain injury (TBI), sustained during contact sports, can lead to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. We are working towards understanding the why and how. 

TBI

Traumatic Brain Injury

Mucolipidosis IV (MLIV) is a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. Lysosomal dysfunction leads to astrocyte activation and neuronal injury. Through computational and in vivo analyses we hope to find new treatments.

MLIV

Mucolipidosis TypeIV

Innate immune cells may infiltrate the brain in Alzheimer's disease to combat the neuronal debris and amyloid plaques. NK presence can alter neuronal synaptic density.

NK cells in AD

NK cells in AD

There are many complex interactions between the nervous and immune systems that become dysfunctional in disease. We use 3D co-cultures and multi-omic approaches to tease out causal mechanisms.

Neuro-immune Interactions

Neuro-immune Interactions