Paramita Chakrabarty, Ph.D., MS
Associate Professor of Neuroscience
College of Medicine
Understanding diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s requires more than identifying damaged cells — it demands understanding how the body’s systems respond to those changes over time. Paramita Chakrabarty’s research focuses on this intersection, investigating how the immune system interacts with the brain in ways that can either slow or accelerate neurodegenerative disease.
Her work has helped reshape how scientists think about inflammation in neurological disorders. Rather than viewing it as purely harmful, Chakrabarty’s research shows that certain immune responses can actually reduce the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain. Her findings revealed that different immune signals can have opposing effects — some limiting disease progression while others may worsen it — highlighting the importance of balance within the immune system. This insight has opened new directions for developing treatments that target these pathways more precisely.
Chakrabarty’s research also explores the genetic and biological factors that influence disease risk. Her work on the APOE gene, one of the strongest known risk factors for Alzheimer’s, has clarified how different genetic variants affect the early stages of disease development. In addition, she has shown how systemic conditions such as infections can influence brain health, linking immune responses throughout the body to changes in the brain. Together, these findings are helping build a more complete picture of how neurodegenerative diseases develop and progress.
Her research extends from fundamental discovery to potential application. Chakrabarty has helped develop new experimental approaches, including engineered molecules designed to interact directly with disease- related proteins in the brain. These approaches offer alternatives to traditional treatments and point toward new strategies for slowing or preventing neurodegeneration.
That work has established Chakrabarty as a leader in the field, with a research program that continues to grow in scope and influence — an impact reflected in her national and international recognition and sustained federal support. Chakrabarty’s research has “fundamentally reshaped how we understand immune regulation of neurodegenerative diseases,” neuroscience chair Jennifer Bizon noted.
Through her research, teaching and leadership, Chakrabarty is advancing new ways of understanding and treating some of the most complex and challenging brain diseases.