Research

Target diseases: Neurological disorders 

Key words:Brain aging Network, Senescent microglia, Rejuvenation, Neuroimmunology, Stem Cells, Precision medicine, 

The concept that the CNS is an immune-privileged organ blocked by blood-brain barrier has made us abandon the use of immunotherapy in neurological disease for a long time. However, recent studies have demonstrated that circulating immune cells are actively involved in shaping and repairing CNS system.

Aim to study

 Circulating immune cells were reported to have an ability to communicate with brain. Moreover, significant evidences suggest that an exposure to traumatic and/or acute stress in both mice and humans may result in compromised immune function that in turn may affect associated brain processes. We are interested in characterizing the role of immune cells and related cytokines against neurological disorders. Specifically, we focus on understanding the impact of the microglia on neurological disorders and whether it can cause one to be vulnerable to intractable neurological disorders. Along the line, we are studying how peripheral immune cells in lymph nodes or spleen crosstalk microglia (innate immune cells) in CNS. The regulation of microglial cell is a potential therapeutic intervention in intractable neurological disorders. Considering that the dysfunctional microglia (or aged microglia) has been demonstrated in neurological disorders, homeostatic microglial function that communicate with circulating immune cells might contribute to neuronal protection, repair, and renewal in neurological disorders. Given the aging is a top risk factor in neurodegenerative diseases, we propose that aged immune system aggravates senescent cell accumulation by propagating senescence, especially in brain aging.