Dr. Swirski’s research focuses on innate immunity and inflammation in cardiovascular disease. He uses in vivo models of acute and chronic inflammation relevant to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, with specific emphasis on cell development, communication, and function. Recently, his focus has expanded to include lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, and stress as critical modulators of cardiovascular health and hematopoiesis.

Research
Systemic inflammatory networks connect various cardiovascular and metabolic processes. I showed that the spleen produces monocytes by extramedullary hematopoiesis. I provided evidence for the relative contribution of monocyte recruitment and macrophage proliferation atherosclerosis. I identified an on-demand mechanism by which transient monocyte-derived macrophages dispose of erythrocytes and recycle iron. I identified a population of intraepithelial T cells that modulate dietary metabolism and contribute to cardiovascular disease.