Brennan Lab
Research
Discovery Theme 1: Neuro-inflammation
Trauma to the brain or spinal cord triggers a robust neuro-inflammatory response. The cells involved in this response include tissue-resident glia (e.g. microglia, astrocytes) and infiltrating immune cells (e.g. neutrophils, monocyte-derived macrophages, lymphocytes). Discovery projects in this theme seek to understand how these cells communicate with neurons, each other, and the lesion microenvironment to coordinate tissue repair or secondary injury pathology.
Monocyte-derived macrophages (green) surrounding degenerating axons (red)
Discovery Theme 2: Peripheral Neuro-
immune Interactions
Trauma to the spinal cord can cause morbidity in peripheral systems, particularly in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues. Discovery projects in this theme seek to understand how events and morbidities that impact peripheral immune organs shape outcomes from spinal cord injury.