A role for macrophages in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system

A role for macrophages in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system

Advisor/s

Dr Saparna Pai

College or Research Centre

Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine

Summary of Project

Inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system such as cerebral malaria, multiple sclerosis, and viral encephalitis are a major socio-economic burden. Despite decades of research, no effective treatment options are currently available. Therefore, there is a need to better understand the regulation of inflammation, especially between the outer wall of the blood vessel, where T cells that promote inflammation initially gain entry. A growing body of evidence implicates perivascular macrophages (PVM) in the progression of inflammatory diseases in the brain. This project will focus on PVM, a unique subset of macrophages (phagocytic immune cells) that line the outer wall of blood vessels. We will use microscopy to visualize PVM activity in the brain.

Key Words

Immune Cells; Infectious agents; immune response; therapy; Malaria; Brain

Would suit an applicant who

has some background in immunology, infectious diseases or related areas of biological sciences.

Updated: 17 May 2022