The brain-immune interface: implications for sleep and mood (2025-2027)

The blood brain barrier ensures homeostatic regulation of ions, molecules and immune cells between blood and brain that is necessary for healthy brains. Our recent unpublished work shows that one brain region of interest--the pineal gland-- appears to be a master regulator of the brain's immune response. Not only do microglia undergo instantaneous morphological changes and increase in number in this structure following an immune challenge, circulating immune cells use it as a gateway into the brain. The current project will interrogate this interface between blood and brain as it provides a unique insight into diverse brain functions, such as sleep and mood.