Department(s): Department of Neuroimmunology (Center for Brain Research)
Position: Associate Professor
Location: Spitalgasse 4
Telephone: 40160-34210
E-Mail:
Research Area:
Neuromyelitis Optica
Research Interests:
Neuroimmunology, Nervous System Autoimmune Disease, Experimental, Microglia, Inflammation, Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System
Grant(s):
Abstract:
We are interested in the initiation, progression and resolution of inflammatory lesions of the central nervous system, and study these processes in models of two important human diseases, i.e. neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis.
Techniques:
We routinely establish cultures of CNS antigen-specific T cells, microglia, astrocytes, brain endothelial cells, oligodendrocytes and choroid plexus epithelium. Other tools and methods available include experimental models for multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica, immunological test procedures to identify and quantify cytokine production and antigen-reactivity of T lymphocytes, immunohistochemical analysis, gene expression studies using real-time PCR, pathway focused or whole genome microarrays on fresh and archival (paraformaldehyde-fixed, paraffin embedded) material, and the identification of mimotopes binding to pathogenic autoantibodies.
Selected Publications: