Research summary
Research is beginning to link certain brain diseases—like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and others—to viruses. The presence of these links tells us that our immune systems and brain cells communicate. As Canada Research Chair in Synthetic Neuroimmunology and Stem Cell Bioengineering, Dr. Julien Muffat is trying to understand how this communication regulates immune control in our brains and could lead to disease or loss of brain function.
Muffat and his research team are studying the microglial (immune) function of genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. They are also looking at the impact of immune activation by viruses (such as herpes or polio) on brain health, and how engineered immune cells could regenerate a damaged nervous system. In each case, they are focusing on the role of the microglia—the main immune cells of the human brain. Ultimately, their work will shed light on the mechanisms that lead to brain disorders and may lay the groundwork for personalized treatments.