Walsh Lab
James T. Walsh, MD, PhD Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Research Overview
The Walsh lab is interested in how the immune system is involved in both normal and pathological processes in the eye, where the concept of immune privilege has driven the study of ocular immunity. We explore the contribution of both local immune cells and systemic immunity on ocular functioning both in homeostasis and during common ocular disease.
Our research is guided by a fundamental set of questions:
- Where is the immune system found in the eye?
- Where do immune signals go from the eye (and are those locations relevant for ocular immune responses)?
- How does ocular immunity affect common ocular pathologies such as macular degeneration and glaucoma?
- How can the immune response be altered to augment the beneficial effects and minimize bystander damage to ocular structures?
- How can ocular autoimmune disease be better monitored and treated by understanding alterations that occur during the disease process?
Through the study of these questions, we aim to improve our basic understanding of ocular immunity and find ways to improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy of blinding ocular diseases.
Walsh Lab Members
James Walsh, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Email: walsh.j@wustl.edu
The Walsh Lab is interested in hiring for positions at all levels of experience. If you are interested in learning more please email walsh.j@wustl.edu.
Funding
Bright Focus Foundation
A Newly Discovered Eye Immune Environment in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
The goal of this project is to explore a newly identified local immune environment in the eye and its potential role in age-related macular degeneration.
Research to Prevent Blindness
Career Development Award
James Walsh, MD, PhD has been awarded the prestigious Career Development Award from Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB). This award, which provides $350,000 in funding over four years, is designed to support promising junior ophthalmology faculty in their journey toward becoming independent researchers.