Lab / Research Overview
Neuro-Immune Interactions
Accumulating evidence indicates that innate immune cells including neutrophils contribute to neuroinflammation, dysfunction in blood-brain barrier integrity, and neurodegenerative disorders. We are interested in the role of neutrophil activation and NETs formation in the development of diseases of the central nervous system. Our goal is to decipher actionable neuroinflammatory targets for the treatment of conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurodegeneration and mental health disorders.
Nutritional Immunology
Food-derived peptides with anti-inflammatory properties (bioactive peptides) have gained significant interest due to their potential availability in the daily diet and their limited side effects. Although potatoes have a low protein concentration, several studies have established the potent anti-inflammatory ability of potato protein. We recently identified TNKPVI as a biostable fragment derivative of potato protein with potent anti-inflammatory activity. Our goal is to decipher the mechanism by which TNKPVI regulates the immune response and identify potential therapeutic ability of TNKPVI in inflammatory diseases.