Colloquium Speaker: Isaac Chui, PhD on Monday, February 12th, 2024

Neuroimmune interactions play a critical role in regulating homeostasis and host defense. Barrier tissue sites are densely innervated by sensory neurons that mediate pain and itch. We and others have found that these neurons directly sense microbial pathogens and their mediators including toxins and enzymes. They then release neuropeptides and other mediators that signal to immune cells to regulate their function. Microbes also in some instances hijack these neuroimmune interactions for their advantage. Therefore, understanding how neurons interact with microbes and immune cells can lead to novel understanding of host defense and barrier immunity.