By bringing together over 30 research labs and 100+ scientists from diverse disciplines, the BIG Center advances the understanding of the complex relationship between the brain and the immune system, particularly how the two are connected in keeping the body healthy.
Key Research Areas
Central Neuroimmunology
How does the immune system shape the nervous system to regulate vital processes such as behavior and cognition?
Peripheral Neuroimmunology
How do the nervous system and immune system communicate within different organs, such as the skin, lung, and gut, to regulate local immune responses and tissue function?
Glia Biology
How do astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia contribute to the wiring of our nervous system and maintain its function throughout life?
Such research could lead to new insight into neurological illnesses – ranging from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease to schizophrenia and autism – that are linked to an immune system gone awry, and lay the groundwork for developing promising immune-based therapies to treat such illnesses.
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