Faculty Research

David Irani, MD (davidira@med.umich.edu)
Associate Professor of Neurology

Dr. Irani and his laboratory investigate the various roles played by host immune responses in the pathogenesis of experimental alphavirus encephalitis in mice. Ongoing projects aim to further characterize the mechanisms of neuronal injury and the roles of activated microglial cells during infection. Other avenues of investigation focus on understanding the immunological damage that occurs in the brains of mice protected from lethal encephalitis via passively transferred antiviral antibodies. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying host responses that are amenable to therapeutic interventions. Such insights have potential applicability in the treatment of humans with related infections. Further details can be found on the Neuroimmunology Research Program Web site.