Projects
Pathogen-neuroendocrine-immune axis
As evolutionarily ancient neuronal cells, neuroendocrine cells can sense peripheral signals. Do they also respond to pathogens? Do they communicate with immune cells, and if so, how?
Mapping infectious reflex
By leveraging the powerful tools of fly genetics, we aim to identify neurons and neural circuits that regulate the immune system and to examine their function in the context of infections.
Glia as an interface of neuroimmune crosstalk
The unique barrier glia forms a "blood-brain barrier" in flies. Given its accessibility to the periphery and its intimate interactions with neurons, we asked whether the barrier glia serves as an interface mediating neuroimmune interactions.
The ultimate goal is to harness this knowledge to advance our understanding of the evolution of neuroimmunology and to develop new strategies for better controlling the immune system.