Research Interests:

Innate immunity, T cell polarization

Current Research:

The main effectors during the axonal demyelinating phases of multiple sclerosis, and its animal model Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) are the activated cells that penetrate the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). The demyelination of axons leadso neurological deficits and in extreme situations to death. Recently, the subset of cells Th17 has been associated with the pathogenesis of the disease. These cells have been associated with a variety of autoimmune and disorders. However, the mechanisms governing the activation and the polarization of these cells are unclear. The first responder during an infection is the innate immunity. Its response is immediate and upon persistent activation it creates the milieu that will eventually influence the polarization and activation of T cells. We use the well established model of MOG-EAE in mice in order to identify the components of the innate immunity that facilitate the development of the pathogenic T cells during the different stages of the disease.

Noteworthy Publications: