
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
Jazmin Castro
Javiera Cea
Lukas Salazar
Isabel Gómez
Camila Sandoval
Undergraduate Students
Trinidad Villegas
Tomás Sepúlveda
Lab Manager
Jacob Mora, PhD
Research Assistants
Valentina Ugalde
María Alexandra Espinoza
Grants
FONDECYT R-1250021 [2025-2029] : Deciphering the role of the short-chain fatty acids receptor GPR43 in the interplay between T-cells and the microbiota in the development of motor and non-motor manifestations in Parkinson's disease. (Principal Investigator)
FONDECYT R-1231909 [2024-2026]: EVALUATING THE PRO-INFLAMMATORY ROLE OF NGAL RECEPTOR IN THE PROGRESSION OF PROTEINURIC CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE. (Coinvestigator)
Collaborations
Sergio Quezada; University College London
Fabiola Osorio; Universidad de Chile
Jimmy Stehberg; Universidad Andrés Bello
Felipe Court; Universidad Mayor
Erick Riquelme; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Rodrigo Naves; Universidad de Chile
Luis Michea; Universidad de Chile
Cristián Amador; Universidad San Sebastián
Eugenia Morselli; Universidad San Sebastián
Jaime Gutiérrez; Universidad San Sebastián


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