In our bodies, the nervous system is the communication network, handling messages and quick decisions, while the immune system is the defense team, protecting us from invaders like bacteria. These two systems are constantly communicating and influencing the functions of each other, a concept termed “neuroimmune interactions”. In my work, I investigate the role of neuroimmune interactions in fighting bacterial infections in the inner ear, where our senses of hearing and balance originate.
Photo by Celia Muto
What are the big questions driving your research?
The idea at the heart of my thesis project is that neurons can affect the activity of immune cells, and vice versa, especially when the system is challenged during infection. The big, motivating question behind my research is: what is the nature of these interactions between the peripheral nervous system and immune system during bacterial infections?
The inner ear is a great place to answer this question because, 1) it houses a few types of peripheral neurons, and 2) our middle ears are constantly exposed to microbes (clean your earbuds, folks!) that can transfer into the inner ear and affect hearing and balance. The cause of this infection-induced inner ear dysfunction is largely unknown, despite a great clinical need. I want to learn why infections affect inner ear function and how neural activity shapes immune activity in response to infection.
What drew you to this area of neuroscience?
I first entered the field of neurobiology as an undergraduate seeking a summer research experience in any biological discipline. Luckily for me, that summer I was able to join a neurobiology lab in the somatosensory field where my interest was immediately captured by the sensory biology of touch. I had the opportunity to work closely with my postdoc mentor and consider things like: how do you build a touch-sensitive neuron? Although I barely understood what a neuron was at the time, I learned about their intricate endings in the skin, and how their diverse molecular, anatomical, and physiological properties allow us to perceive a range of touch sensations. My fascination with sensory biology influenced my decision to join a lab in auditory neuroscience for my graduate work. Lately, my work has shifted toward neuroimmunology by nature of some unexpected (but exciting) findings, and I couldn’t be happier to be part of this emerging field!
What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned in the lab or classroom so far?
Neuro-histologists and anatomists who use antibodies for immunolabeling: this one’s for you! As I begin to learn more about immunology, I am continually surprised by the complexity of the immune system. For example, antibodies are generated by immune cells in a process called V(D)J recombination. This is a type of somatic recombination (meaning permanent DNA alteration) where developing immune cells undergo a random rearrangement, recombination, and deletion of gene segments in particular areas of the genome to generate novel amino acid sequences for antibodies. With millions of possible recombination outcomes, this process explains why antibodies can have such high specificity to pretty much any antigen we encounter.
What is the trait you most admire in others?
I really admire the spirit of generosity. Whether we like it or not, our time and energy are limited resources. We all have to-do lists that are too long, and coffee only goes so far to power us through our daily tasks. But when someone sets aside some of their valuable time and effort to help someone else in need, it makes such a positive an impact. I have personally had the privilege of working with several generous mentors and colleagues that have each had a lasting impact on my personal and professional life in this way.
What are your hobbies outside of the lab—current, past, or future?
My current hobbies include watercolor painting, reading, baking, and hiking! Well, mostly hiking. A past hobby of note is rugby, which I played for 10 years and miss every day.