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Our Lab and Goals The research activities of the Neuroimmunopathology Laboratory focus on studies of immunological and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Our main area of research include studies of neurological complications of HIV infection and AIDS, multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, autism and epilepsy. Our main goal is the exploration and identification of immunopathological mechanisms associated with neurological disease that may be the target of potential therapeutic interventions. Our laboratory collaborates with other researchers and laboratories at Johns Hopkins and other institutions in projects related with studies of the interaction between the immune and central nervous systems in pathological processes leading to neurological dysfunction. Our Approaches Scientists in our laboratory use different strategies to explore the role of immunopathogenic mechanisms in neurological diseases. The first, morphological and neuropathological studies of brain and spinal cord tissues to determine the pathological processes involved in neurological disease. This approach uses different strategies that include histological techniques, immunocytochemistry and electronmicroscopy. The second approach focuses on studies of cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune mediated processes associated with neurological disease. We use a variety of strategies such as protein and gene studies for mapping of immune mediators such as cytokines and chemokines, quantitative assessment of neuroglia and neuronal reactions and immunocytochemical techniques. The third approach is the use of animal models to assess the role of immunological factors in neurological disease and the assessment of potential therapeutic interventions. Support The research activities and projects of our lab have been supported by research grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Epilepsy Foundation of America, CURE AUTISM NOW foundation and by donations from patients and their families. |