Event

BBI-CBMG Joint Seminar: Dr. Dorian McGavern
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
10:00 a.m.
Online presentation
For More Information:
https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tfuGhqjMsEt35B6o3w0VBY4AIOQuX1XEL

Title: "Immune mechanisms underlying damage and restoration of CNS barriers"

Speaker: Dr. Dorian McGavern (NINDS)

Abstract: The central nervous system is inhabited by a specialized ensemble of myeloid cells that are highly dynamic and survey their immediate surroundings, which include the parenchyma, perivascular spaces, pia mater, dura mater, and choroid plexus. These cells are long-lived, help maintain homeostasis, participate in reparative responses following injury, and protect the CNS from invading microbes. The CNS is also surveyed and sometimes invaded by circulating, blood-derived myeloid cells that can contribute to diametrically opposed outcomes, like vascular breakdown vs. repair, depending on the inflammatory context. This lecture will focus on recent developments in our understanding of CNS myeloid cells, both resident and blood-derived. A special emphasis will be placed on how myeloid cells specifically survey and respond in different anatomical compartments, such as the dura mater, subarachnoid space, vasculature, and parenchyma. Myeloid cell responses are customized to meet the demands of the specific anatomical niche and are guided by precise inflammatory cues. This lecture will also showcase myeloid cell responses that give rise to both favorable and unfavorable outcomes.

Bio: Dr. Dorian McGavern is Chief of the Viral Immunology and Intravital Imaging Section at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, where his laboratory focuses on states of acute and persistent infection of the central nervous system as well as traumatic brain injury. Dr. McGavern received his B.S degree in microbiology from The Pennsylvania State University and his Ph.D. in molecular neuroscience from the Mayo Clinic. Following an academic appointment as an Associate Professor in the Department of Immunology and Microbial Sciences at The Scripps Research Institute, Dr. McGavern joined the NINDS in March 2009. Dr. McGavern is the recipient of the prestigious Ray Thomas Edwards Foundation Award and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease Award.