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Title
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Conflict at the Cellular Scale
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Description
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This image captures a microscopic battle unfolding in the brain of a mouse during viral encephalitis, a disease in which a viral infection causes inflammation in the brain. Blue marks the nuclei of cells, outlining the structure of the brain tissue. Red highlights immune cells, the brain’s built-in defense system, which become activated when a virus is detected. Scattered throughout the tissue in yellow are neurons that have been infected by the virus, showing where infection and inflammation intersect.
My research focuses on understanding how this cellular conflict shapes disease. While immune cells are essential for fighting infection, their activity can also contribute to inflammation that damages surrounding brain tissue and disrupts normal brain function. This image freezes a moment where defense and damage exist side by side. By studying how viral infections and inflammation interact, and how factors such as medications and diet may influence this response, we aim to uncover ways to reduce harmful inflammation and improve outcomes after viral brain infections.
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Date
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2026-01-23
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Creator
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Meili, Casey
