The Wu lab is dedicated to understanding what triggers the development of immune responses in the central nervous system during health and disease. In particular the lab is focused on Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a disease that affects nearly 400,000 Americans. It is unclear how the immune system contributes to the development of inflammatory plaques throughout the brain and spinal cord in patients with MS. Ongoing research has centered on dendritic cells, a special class of immune cells capable of initiating a wide spectrum of lymphocyte responses. Several lines of evidence suggest that dendritic cells are critical during the pathogenesis of central nervous system inflammation. Much of this data has been derived from studying an animal model for MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Current work is aimed at understanding how dendritic cells are capable of initiating autoimmune reactions targeting the brain and spinal cord in EAE and MS.

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Multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, transverse myelitis, optic neuritis, autoimmune demyelination, lymphocyte-endothelial cell adhesions, immune tolerance therapies

• Information for Patients

A lack of diversity can be harmful for all of us by potentially perpetuating social injustice and limiting the impact of our work. The Wu lab is committed to diversity, inclusion, and unity. We value individual uniqueness and strive to bring together a diverse team to build a strong, collaborative group. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds.
We aim to foster a positive environment so that each individual can pursue scientific training and knowledge with confidence, creativity, and integrity.