Rachel Caspi, PhD

Senior Investigator
Immunoregulation Section

The Section’s interest is in cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in immune and autoimmune responses affecting the eye and vision. Visual function can be compromised by inflammatory damage to the neuroretina, due to an inflammatory autoimmune disease known as uveitis. Vision can also be compromised by damage to the surface of the eye, which provides a mucosal barrier between the eye and the environment. We aim to understand the basic mechanisms that trigger and drive disease, and how these responses are elicited and/or modulated by commensal microbiota. Approaches and conclusions are generalizable to other immunologically driven diseases. The goal is to use the knowledge gained from these studies for designing novel and rational strategies for immunotherapy.

More info can be found on our laboratory web site: https://www.nei.nih.gov/research/research-labs-and-branches/immunoregulation-section

Suggested Penn mentors: Igor Brodsky