INFLAMMATION AFTER SPINAL CORD INJURY

L-selectin
We have previously shown that the immune cell adhesion and signaling receptor, L-selectin, mediates neutrophil infiltration and long-term neurological deficits after spinal cord injury.  We are now investigating how L-selectin shedding contributes to damaging neutrophil functions and tissue loss in the acutely injured spinal cord. Our research on L-selectin is currently funding by NIH NINDS and projects are currently available in the lab to lead this work.

NETs
Neutrophils extracellular traps (NETs) are complexes of decondensed chromatin and proteases that are expelled from the cell in order to kill nearby pathogens. We have found that NETs are highly increased in the acutely injured spinal cord and may contribute to bystander tissue damage. We are currently investigating the role of NETs in secondary injury after SCI and therapeutic strategies to minimize the detrimental effects of NETs. Our research on NETs is currently funded by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation.