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Manish Bhomia, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist
Henry Jackson Foundation
Assistant Professor
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Bethesda, Maryland, US

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as an injury to the brain by external forces which can lead to cellular damage and disruption of the normal central nervous system functions. Worldwide, TBI is considered as one of the major causes of disability and death. Biomarkers can help identifying the TBI early and can help in better management and care of the patient. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that are easy to detect and stable in the peripheral circulation. Our studies have identified miRNAs as specific and sensitive biomarkers to detect TBI in both TBI and sports concussions. In addition, currently there are no FDA approved treatment of TBI. We are working on a novel nanobody-based immunotherapy development for treatment of traumatic brain injury. Due to their small size and high specificity, nanobodies are an attractive tool to develop novel immunotherapies for neurodegenerative diseases and viral infections. Our laboratory is also working on development of similar therapy for severe dengue infection.