SciNaPPS Seminar: Innate Immune Activation in Spinal Cord Injury
23 November 2012
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| SciNaPPS |
SciNaPPS - Science, Neurology, and Psychiatry/Psychology Seminars - presents this free seminar on Innate Immune Activation in Spinal Cord Injury: Role of complement anaphylatoxin receptors in the pathology associated with spinal cord injury.
Presented by Dr Marc Ruitenberg
School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland
ABSTRACT: Inflammation following spinal cord injury (SCI) causes secondary pathology in neural tissue that was originally spared, thereby worsening recovery. With no effective anti-inflammatory treatments available, a better understanding of the key cellular and molecular mediators of this inflammatory pathology is critical for the development of new therapies. We have used genetic and pharmacological approaches to study the role of complement anaphylatoxin receptors, C3aR and C5aR, in the pathology associated with SCI. Our findings reveal an unexpected anti-inflammatory role for C3aR whereas C5aR was found to serve a dual role, with signaling through this receptor being injurious early after injury but neuroprotective in the post-acute phase. Based on these findings, we propose acute C5aR antagonism as a therapeutic option to dampen the inflammatory response to SCI and improve recovery.
Time: 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Location: Level 5 Lecture Theatre, 94 Mallet St, Camperdown.
Cost: Free
Contact: Wayne Reid
Phone: (02) 9114 4006
Email: 0f2a3e0d1d58331d3a0e2f210a13590c2e79161d44170338
More info: http://sydney.edu.au/bmri/