We aim to define the cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune regulation and neuro‐immuno‐vascular interactions in the CNS and its barriers during homeostasis and pathologies, and to translate the findings to find new therapies for CNS autoimmunity, inflammation, and infections.
1. CNS immune tolerance and privilege
‐ Decode the mechanisms governing CNS (brain and retina) immune tolerance and privilege in the thymus, lymphoid organs, and the CNS
2. CNS autoimmunity, inflammation, and infections
‐ Unravel the roles of microglia, border‐associated macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and endothelial cells and their interactions in CNS autoimmunity (multiple sclerosis, uveitis), inflammation (Alzheimer’s disease), and infections (meningitis, encephalitis, and retinitis)
3. CNS barriers and fluids
‐ Characterize the immunological niches in CNS barriers (meninges, choroidal plexus, RPE/choroid, ciliary body, BBB/BRB) and fluids (CSF, aqueous humor) and identify their roles in immune homeostasis and inflammation in the CNS