This summer, I had the privilege of working in Dr. Villapol’s Neuroregeneration Lab alongside my mentor, Marissa Burke, where I studied how spaceflight stressors affect neuroimmune anti-inflammatory pathways. These pathways normally prevent excessive inflammation that can lead to tissue damage and disease. However, exposure to spaceflight stressors such as microgravity and radiation causes astronauts to experience persistent peripheral inflammation which poses significant threats to their health especially as we consider deeper space exploration.

To understand why this inflammation goes unresolved, I assessed the functionality of two neuroimmune anti-inflammatory pathways in murine models exposed to simulated spaceflight. I analyzed plasma, peripheral organs, and brain tissue to determine whether these regulatory pathways were being activated and functioning appropriately. Our findings suggest that disrupted efferent neuroimmune communication dysregulates these pathways, contributing to persistent inflammation. By better understanding this disruption, we can develop more effective treatments for astronauts and patients with inflammation-driven diseases.