Neuro-Immunology Research

Our Research Areas

Basic Science Research

The basic science laboratories of the Division of Neuro-Immunology include the Igor Koralnik Laboratory and the Sabrina Tan Laboratory at BIDMC, and the Omar Siddiqi Laboratory at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. The focus of research in the Koralnik Laboratory is understanding the immunopathogenesis of JC virus in Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). This involves an integrated approach combining virology, immunology, clinical studies, and radiology to investigate the viral and host factors associated with disease induction, pathogenesis and clinical outcomes.

Research also explores JC virus latency, spread, and the immune responses that contain JC virus in immunocompetent individuals. PCR-based technology is utilized to examine the molecular biology underlying JC virus pathogenesis and its reactivation. The lab has characterized immunological markers related to PML survival and is now focusing on translational development of immunotherapies.

Additionally, novel clinical entities caused by JC virus deletion-mutants with selective tropism for neuronal populations have been identified. The laboratory team includes Harvard Medical School faculty members, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, research assistants and clinical coordinators.

Clinical Research

Clinical research is conducted at the Multiple Sclerosis Center at BIDMC and the Global Neurology Center at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.

At the HIV/Neurology Center at BIDMC, comprehensive care is provided for acute and chronic neurological issues in individuals with HIV infection or AIDS. In collaboration with the basic research laboratory of the Division of Neuro-Immunology, NIH-sponsored studies aim to characterize the immunological, virological, and radiological prognostic factors of disease evolution. Participants include HIV-positive or HIV-negative immunosuppressed individuals with neurological symptoms, brain lesions suggestive of PML or detectable JCV DNA in cerebrospinal fluid.

The Multiple Sclerosis Center at BIDMC emphasizes research on multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases of the nervous system. NIH, National MS Society, and pharmaceutical company-sponsored studies include advanced MRI and neuroimaging studies, disease pathogenesis and treatment research. Highlights include ongoing research on multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis.

The Global Neurology Center at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia provides comprehensive care for Zambian patients. NIH and private foundation-sponsored studies focus on the pathogenesis of Tuberculous Meningitis, molecular diagnostics of opportunistic infections in the nervous system and new-onset seizures.