The Front Row at Scripps Research: lecture with Alejandra Mendoza, PhD

Sensing Danger: How the Nervous and Immune Systems Coordinate Inflammation with Alejandra Mendoza, PhD

Just as we can distinguish between the sting of heat and the chill of cold, our immune system is finely tuned to recognize and respond to a wide range of threats, from viruses and bacteria to allergens and injury. This complex sensing relies on communication between diverse cell types, including sensory neurons and immune cells, to ensure responses are tailored to the specific challenge. In this free Front Row lecture, assistant professor Alejandra Mendoza will explore how neuro-immune cellular circuits regulate inflammation, pain, and immunity. By bridging neuroscience and immunology, her research is revealing how our bodies interpret signals from the environment to guide immune decisions, from fighting infections to controlling tumor growth and chronic inflammatory diseases.Learn more at frontrow.scripps.edu.

About Scripps Research

Committed to unraveling the intricacies of the human body and translating our discoveries into tangible global impact, Scripps Research is consistently ranked among the most influential non-profit research institutes in the world. Throughout our 100-year history, our scientists have expanded the boundaries of scientific understanding and played a pivotal role in the development of over 15 FDA-approved medicines that have impacted the lives of countless individuals worldwide.

The Front Row lecture series, now in its eighth season, offers an exclusive glimpse into groundbreaking scientific discoveries in action. Many of these breakthroughs are the result of years of tireless work—made possible by the support of our community.

As we enter another century of science changing life at Scripps Research, our focus remains the same: fueling world-class fundamental and translational research to accelerate the development of medical advances for the benefit of human health.