Michelle H. Theus, Ph.D.

“Eph/Ephrin Regulation of Neurovascular and Neuroimmune Health in Brain Injury Across the Age Spectrum”

Abstract: Recent pre-clinical studies have shed light on the neurotoxic effects of the peripheral innate immune response to brain trauma. Our research objective is to characterize the cellular and molecular mechanism(s) dictating innate immune cell recruitment, phenotype and function as it relates to tissue damage and functional recovery following TBI. Our work has led to the discovery that members of the Eph receptor family, well-known axon growth and guidance molecules, control key phospho-signaling networks necessary for sustaining a pro-inflammatory state. Exploiting new ways to promote the pro-resolving phenotype of innate immune cells represents a novel restorative intervention aimed at improving patient outcomes and expanding novel targets for drug discovery.