Mentor/s:
Yancy Ferrer Acosto, PhD
Co-Mentor:
N/A
Project Title:
Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of Edelfosine to Limit Macrophage Infiltration During Seizure-Related Inflammation
Project Description:
Our studies search for novel alternative therapies against epilepsy with fewer or no side effects. Seizures and epilepsy can cause disruption in the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) and this can allow circulating molecules and immune cells, including macrophages, to enter the brain. The infiltration of macrophages into the brain and their activation can lead to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. We are currently studying the alkylphospholipid analog drug edelfosine, and testing if it decreases macrophage adhesion to BBB endothelial cells when exposed to an inflammatory insult such as pilocarpine. We expect edelfosine to decrease macrophage adhesion and reduce the inflammation caused by pilocarpine, making this a new mechanism of neuroprotection for our anticonvulsant drug candidate.