Laboratory of Neuroimmunology
The long-term goal of our research is to identify the molecular factors necessary and sufficient to successfully recover from central nervous system (CNS) injury or disease. Towards that goal, we are investigating factors both intrinsic and extrinsic to neurons that influence the course of injury or disease, as well as the process of recovery, in the CNS.
One major focus of our lab is to understand how to limit damage and provide a pro-regenerative environment to nerve cells after spinal cord injury (SCI), which affects more than 10,000 people per year in the United States. The acute response to SCI includes diverse processes that both limit (e.g. inflammation), and promote (e.g. growth factors) recovery. To identify molecular programs that accompany successful and unsuccessful regeneration after nerve cell injury, we are using biochemical, cell biological and functional genomics methods. In addition to unbiased approaches, we are also specifically investigating the inflammatory response after SCI, in the hopes of identifying new targets for potential therapeutic intervention. We are also collaborating with Feinstein colleague Dr. Chahine to understand the role of inflammation in degenerative disc disease.
Another focus of our lab, pursued together with Feinstein colleagues Dr. Diamond and Dr. Al-Abed is to develop novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects approximately 1.5 million Americans. The disease is characterized by the presence of antibodies against the patient, which can lead to damage and symptoms in multiple organs, including the nervous system. We are performing pre-clinical studies, based on discoveries from Dr. Diamond’s laboratory on the causes of lupus, to neutralize autoantibodies that cause damage to nerve cells, as well as to other cell types.
Lab Member
Name: Angelo Papatheodorou
Position: Research Assistant
Email: apapaathe@nshs.edu
| Dr. Yousef Al-Abed | Dr. Christine Metz | |
| Dr. Matthew Bank | Dr. Todd Slesinger | Dr. Nadeen Chahine |
| Dr. Betty Diamond | Dr. Adam Stein |