Projects

I aim to understand the interactions between the circadian and neuroimmune systems, with the goal of using rhythmic immunity to improve health. My research is driven by the central questions:

The immune system has a critical biological function, governing an organism’s interaction with the environment and its ultimate survival. Immune function is also highly rhythmic: there are daily patterns of immune cell migration and in immune cell reactivity to stimuli (e.g., production of inflammatory cytokines, uptake of antigens). Inflammation is a common component in the etiology of many diseases, but our immune system can also be used to our advantage in fighting cancer and infections. Thus, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms regulating immune function will facilitate development of both restorative and preventative therapies.

I am particularly interested in how immune function and circadian immunity changes in the context of aging, and the potential for circadian-based strategies to boost immune health.

Featured

Circadian clocks in microgliaHow does the microglial clock regulate neuroinflammation?

Using cell-specific disruption of the key clock element Bmal1, I am testing how microglial clocks regulate neuroinflammatory responses and behavior.

Novel approaches to increase healthspanCan we live better longer by harnessing our circadian system?

I am testing how time-restricted feeding modulates neuroinflammation and behavior in aging.

Sex differences in neuroimmune agingHow do sex differences in immune function influence age-associated cognitive decline?

Female rats exhibit less age-associated neuroinflammatory priming than male rats, and aged females are more resistant to inflammation-induced cognitive decline.