Introduction
The Emory University Behavioral Immunology Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is a central resource for individuals interested in clinical and basic science research on brain-immune interactions. Our program invites members of the research community to meet Emory investigators in the Behavioral Immunology Program and review their areas of research focus. Individuals who are interested in participating in specific studies are encouraged to review our ongoing research projects.
Investigators in our program are particularly interested in interactions between the brain and the immune system, especially as they relate to the effects of inflammation on behavioral alterations including depression, fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. The impact of specific strategies to limit the effects of inflammation on the brain including pharmacologic approaches are of special interest.
Mission Statement
The goal of the Emory Behavioral Immunology Program is to conduct research that integrates conceptual frameworks from multiple scientific disciplines including the basic sciences (immunology), medical sciences (psychiatry, oncology, infectious diseases) and arts (anthropology). By combining multiple frames of reference, we believe novel approaches to human suffering can be achieved through strategies that address both the biological and psychosocial/cultural aspects of health and illness. In general, our studies focus on the impact of the activated immune system on behavior. Examination of interactions between the brain and the immune system represent one of the major avenues of mind-body research, and can lead to novel approaches to understanding and treating psychiatric disorders.