Saint Louis University (SLU)
My research interests focus on the impact of CD36 deficiency on inflammation and lipid trafficking. CD36 deletion disrupts immune cell trafficking to lymph nodes and results in chronic inflammation driven by neutrophils. Humans with partial CD36 deficiency, which associates with abnormal chylomicron clearance, have more activated neutrophils in the circulation, suggesting subclinical inflammation. CD36 deletion affects the lymphatic system, rerouting more of intestinal chylomicrons to the liver, promoting hepatic steatosis and early signs of fibrosis.