What physiological and molecular substrates comprise the human inflammatory response? 

Are these heterogenous physiological and molecular responses able to reliably indicate the therapeutic and it's dose for that individual?

In human models we aim to dissect biomarkers and bioindicators of heterogeneity that recursively control neuro-inflammation, pain, behavior and cognition.

Our goal is: to uncover basic science mechanisms (biology based) using novel tools (Neuro-biosensors compiled with molecular signatures) that may recursively titrate novel interventions (Neurotechnologies and drug delivery systems).

Human Translation Core:  We employ controlled human neuroinflammation and stress challenges while acquiring high resolution deep phenotyping (i.e., neurophysiology, proteomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, sleep physiology, psychiatric and cognitive testing). 

Challenges can include: Intravenous Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Injection, attenuated vaccine challenge, live virus challenge, sleep deprivaion, cold water exposure, heat stimuli, and deep breathing exercises.  

Core Neural and Physiological Monitoring Includes: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Magnetoencephalography (MEG), Magnetoneurography (MNG), Electroencephalography (EEG), Electrogastrography (EGG) and high temporal resolution physiological/autonomic monitoring.

Core Biological Marker Monitoring Includes: Prior to during and after human challenges we sample cerebrospinal fluid, peripheral blood and or saliva for biomarkers that include micro-RNA (miRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), proteins and metabolites.

Collectively, we aim to identify molecular and neurophysiological bioindicators to refine our understanding of the heterogeneity intrinsic amongst autonomic nervous system regulation of immune responses.