Branco Weiss Fellow Since
2025
Research Category
Immunology, neuroscience, aging
Research Location
Department of Genetics, Stanford University, USA
Background
Cognitive function plays an essential role in determining the quality of life of individuals. Unfortunately, brain function deteriorates over time as a natural part of aging, and this process is further exacerbated in neurodegenerative diseases. Despite recent research advances, our understanding of the causes of age-related cognitive impairment remains incomplete. In particular, one unexplored but highly important area of research is the neurologic contribution of inflammatory insults, such as viral infections, that take place outside of the central nervous system. Emerging literature suggests that peripheral inflammatory insults may act as catalysts for cognitive decline, with numerous epidemiological and observational studies establishing a correlation between peripheral viral infections and the onset of dementia and other forms of age-related cognitive impairment. However, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between peripheral inflammation and age-related cognitive impairment have remained elusive.
Details of Research
One important concept that has re-emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic is the idea that respiratory viral infections, which were once thought to be acute illnesses of the lung, can lead to cognitive impairment. Today, neurological symptoms are recognized as relatively common symptoms of respiratory viruses. However, we still do not understand how lung infections influence the brain during the disease and in the long term. Through her research, Dr. Giulia Notarangelo will investigate the consequences of respiratory virus infection on brain health and function during aging. Her work is going to address two key gaps in knowledge: 1. How does aging impact lung-brain communication during respiratory infections? 2. What are the key mediators of this communication? Dr. Giulia Notarangelo will conduct research at the intersection of aging, immunology, neurobiology, and microbiology, employing cutting-edge high-throughput techniques to investigate how the aging lung influences the lung-brain axis during respiratory viral infections. Advances in understanding lung-brain communication open new avenues for therapeutic interventions that can simultaneously target both organs, offering promising and innovative approaches for treating the neurological consequences of respiratory infections.
