My lab studies inflammatory responses to traumatic injury of the central nervous system (CNS). Among the immune cells that accumulate at sites of traumatic neuron injury, there is a subpopulation of myeloid cells that promote neuronal survival and regeneration of injured axons. We are investigating the recruitment and polarization of pro-regenerative myeloid cells to the CNS. Based on an increased understanding of these pathways, as well as the interaction between pro-regenerative myeloid cells and injured neurons, we are working to develop novel immunotherapies that enhance the recovery of injured neurons in the eye, optic nerve, brain and spinal cord following trauma.