Although the central nervous system has traditionally been defined as ‘immune-privileged’, research over the last decades has taught us that there is considerable interaction between the peripheral immune system and the brain in both health and disease. Similarly, we have come to appreciate that CNS-resident immune cells, particularly microglia, are not only involved in protecting the brain from pathogens and clearing debris, but play multiple critical roles in development, homeostasis and degeneration of the CNS.

My research aims to elucidate the immunological mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration in several neurological diseases, with a particular emphasis on multiple sclerosis (MS). To disentangle these immune-driven neurodegenerative pathways, I study human post-mortem brain tissue and various in vitro and in vivo model systems using both state-of-the-art microscopy and single cell approaches. By defining the molecular mechanisms involved, I hope to identify much-needed therapeutic targets to halt neurodegeneration.

neuroimmunology, neurodegeneration, microglia, multiple sclerosis, post-mortem tissue