Neuroimmunology of Disease Training Program

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ABSTRACT Despite advances in basic and translational neuroscience research, effective therapeutics for neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, psychiatric, developmental, and neuroinfectious disorders remain in want. The National Institutes of Health has recognized bench to bedside research to improve disease outcomes and as such initiated programs to train researchers who can conceptualize new disease approaches to aide in effective treatments for neurological disease. One critical “in need” area is neuroimmunity which remains understudied despite its close linkage to the pathobiology of a broad spectrum of neurological disorders. The tradition of training separate groups of students in the disciplines of neuroscience and immunology hinders field growth. Following notable training successes, we seek continuance in training of predoctoral students in studies of neuroimmunology with linkages to neuronal injury, differentiation, regeneration, and protection. The program is designed to train 4 predoctoral students at a time in 1 or 2 year appointments with broad exposures to research methods facilitating best approach, technical, and outcome proficiency. And that each student acquires a broad interdisciplinary field knowledge. This allows for critical thinking in how inflammation affects disease pathogenesis and treatment. Several approaches are proposed to achieve these goals. First, is providing students training opportunities for multidisciplinary studies that intersect immunity and neural function. Second, is the use of our textbook Neuroimmune Pharmacology designed specifically as a guide in the intersections between neuroscience, immunology, and pharmacology. This is taught in our Neuroimmunology course. Third, we will provide a unique conceptual framework to integrate approaches relevant to neuroimmunology research. This contains, but is not limited to, systems biology, cell signaling, glial and neuronal biology, relevant rodent and laboratory models, and synaptic-network physiology. Fourth, are our bi-monthly workshops with student presentations to the program’s neuroscience and immunology faculty and a statistician to acquire feedback in research design, uses and limits of quantitative approaches, statistical interpretations, and conceptualization of ongoing research activities. These are highly interactive, diving into the mechanics of research and complement the formal student research presentations at the program’s annual retreat. Fifth, are clinical neurological experiences to gain the big-picture of a real-world perspective of neurological disease. Sixth, are “cross- disciplinary internships” where students will complete thesis component(s) in another laboratory using a different research approach and mentor. Seventh, are sustained community, university, and logistical support. By coordinating the training efforts of divergent research groups linked by common interests in neuroimmunity, trainees will develop deeper understandings of innate and adaptive immunity in relationship to neurologic disease. Such trainees will be better prepared to develop successful careers in studies of disease pathobiology and therapeutic interventions for human nervous system disorders.