Brain-immune interactions across critical periods of neurodevelopment: implications for life-long behavior

Dr. Bilbo's lab philosophy believes mental health includes the entire body. Thus "brain disorders" are really whole body disorders. The brain, endocrine, and immune systems are inextricably linked.

The simple goal of their research is thus to understand the important role of the immune system during brain development, and thereby the ways in which immune activation during early brain development can affect the later-life outcomes of neural function, immune function, mood and cognition. In concert with this, they are interested in modeling current social and environmental issues (e.g. poverty, pollution, addiction) that impact the developing brain, and thereby how these factors may eventually be mitigated via careful scholarship, education, and engagement with trainees, collaborators, and members of society.