The innate immune response to neurodegenerative disease has been understudied until very recently. The Ulland Lab focuses on the role of the innate immune response and more specifically microglial response in AD. We have established the tools and models to effectively work on the neuroimmune response during AD. The ultimate goal of our group is to provide a more thorough understanding of the molecular and metabolic changes in immune cells that precede and follow AD onset, information that will be important in intelligently designing therapeutic strategies. Currently we have projects that focus on the following:
- Dissecting both the early and chronic responses of microglia to stress.
- Determining how events such as systemic inflammation can influence the transcriptional and metabolic responses of microglia to chronic stimuli in neurodegenerative diseases later in life.
- Developing an understanding of what the role of microglia is in influencing other aspects of the immune response during AD.
- Understanding the requirements for normal microglial function in AD and how to manipulate these aspects with the goal of developing effective therapeutic strategies for AD.
The field of neuroimmunology has been newly invigorated with recent discoveries pertaining to microglia and neurodegeneration. Due to the fact that our field has grown out of both the immunology and neuroscience communities, neuroimmunology is a dynamic and interdisciplinary area of study. Our group is privileged to be a part of this quickly evolving community. As such we are always looking for individuals interested in joining the neuroimmunology community here at the University of Wisconsin. If you are interested in joining us please contact Tyler at tulland@wisc.edu.