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Neuroimmunology Lab

Lab Director

Rodrigo Pacheco

Emerging evidence indicates the existence of diverse physical and functional interactions between the immune and nervous systems. The nervous system can regulate immune responses and modulate their effectiveness against viral and bacterial infections, as well as tumour development. Conversely, the immune system appears capable of influencing key neural functions, including processes involved in behaviour, learning, and memory. Given this bidirectional cross-talk, dysregulation of neuroimmune communication may lead to immune-related diseases or contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders. The primary aim of our research is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying neuroimmune interactions and to determine how activation of specific neural pathways may enhance or suppress immune responses in the context of infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmunity. In parallel, we seek to understand how defined immunological components influence cognitive functions and contribute to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders.

Lab Members

Research Associates

Carolina Prado, PhD


PhD Students

Ornella Chovar

Luis Rodriguez

Latest Publications

Molecular MedicineOLECULAR MEDICINE

May 16, 2025

Endogenous Galectin-8 protects against Th17 infiltration and fibrosis following acute kidney injury

American Journal of Physiology

May 6, 2025

Renal antigen-presenting cells from ANG II hypertensive donors transfer blood pressure and promote sodium retention

AGING CELL

March 27, 2025

IGF2-reprogrammed macrophages ameliorate the inflammatory response and protect against the neuroinflammatory process in Parkinson's disease models

Latest Publications

Molecular MedicineOLECULAR MEDICINE

May 16, 2025

AGING CELL

March 27, 2025
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