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Neuroimmunology Lab

Lab Director

Rodrigo Pacheco, PhD

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

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