Andres A. Herrada, Ph.D.

Research

My research focuses on understanding how the immune system interacts with the lymphatic vasculature and the nervous system to regulate tissue and brain homeostasis. I am particularly interested in the mechanisms through which immune cells, lymphatic vessels, and microbial-derived signals shape inflammatory responses in both peripheral tissues and the central nervous system.

Over the past several years, my work has explored the role of lymphatic dysfunction in immune regulation and inflammation. I have investigated how lymph leakage influences macrophage polarization and promotes anti-inflammatory phenotypes, providing insight into the relationship between lymphatic alterations and immunosuppressive environments. In parallel, I have studied the contribution of meningeal lymphatic vessels to immune surveillance and neuroinflammation, with a special interest in their role in central nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis.

More recently, my research has focused on the interaction between the gut microbiota and the meningeal lymphatic vasculature. I am interested in understanding how microbial-derived metabolites and immune signals regulate meningeal lymphatic function and ultimately influence brain physiology and neuroimmune homeostasis. Through this work, I aim to contribute to the understanding of the gut-lymphatic-brain axis and its implications for inflammatory, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Overall, my research integrates immunology, vascular biology, and neuroscience to uncover mechanisms that regulate tissue homeostasis and disease.