Illumination of innate and adpative immunity in the brain

NIH Director's Seminar Series Immune responses are highly dynamic and often shaped by the tissue in which they develop. The Viral Immunology and Intravital Imaging Unit is interested in defining the mechanics of innate and adaptive immune responses in living tissues. To accomplish this, we use a real-time imaging technique referred to as two-photon laser scanning microscopy. This approach enables us to peer into lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues as they experience different immunological perturbations. We are particularly interested in understanding the dynamics of immune responses that develop to infections (viruses, parasites, and fungi) and sterile injuries (traumatic brain injury) of the nervous system as well as the factors that regulate immune responses after they develop, particularly during states of persistent infection. My seminar will unveil factors that guide innate immune cell motion and reactivity to infections versus sterile injury of the brain. I will also present data showing how immune responses in the nervous system can be beneficial or highly pathogenic depending on the inflammatory stimuli that drive them. Air date: 2/8/2013 12:00:00 PM
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