Filip Swirski, PhD
- PROFESSOR | Medicine, Cardiology
- PROFESSOR | Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology
Research Topics:
Alzheimer's Disease, Autoimmunity, B Cells, Blood, Brain, Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation, Cardiovascular, Cellular Immunity, Chemokines, Chemotaxis, Cytokines, Dendritic Cells, Endocrinology, Hematopoiesis, Immunology, Inflammation, Lung, Lymphocytes, Macrophage, Microglia, Pathology, Sleep Medicine, Stem Cells, Stress, Systems Biology, T Cells, Transgenic Mice, Viruses and VirologyDr. Swirski obtained his PhD at McMaster University in Canada and postdoctoral studies at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Swirski was Professor at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital before joining Mount Sinai in 2021. 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.
Multi-Disciplinary Training Areas
Immunology [IMM], Neuroscience [NEU]Education
PhD, McMaster University
Harvard Medical School
-
2020
ESC William Harvey Lecture on Basic Science -
2019
Tucker Collins Lecture -
2018
Leaders in Cardiovascular Science Profile -
2017
Jeffrey M Hoeg Award for Basic Science and Clinical Research -
2017
Established Investigator Award -
2016
Patricia and Scott Eston MGH Research Scholar -
2016
Martin Prize for Fundamental Research -
2016
Outstanding Investigator Award -
2005
Howard M. Goodman Fellowship
Monocytes and Macrophages in Cardiovascular Disease
A major long-standing focus is to understand how monocytes and macrophages participate in atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. I showed that monocytes accumulate continuously in evolving atherosclerotic lesions. I linked atherosclerosis with blood monocytosis. I identified a biphasic monocyte-macrophage response that coordinates healing, and discovered a monocyte reservoir in the spleen. I showed that sleep protects against atherosclerosis by limiting monocyte production.
Hematopoiesis and Growth Factors
Survival, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic cells it tightly controlled by various cell-specific factors. I discovered a GM-CSF-producing B cell that protect against sepsis and pneumonia. I showed that the growth factor IL-3 aggravates sepsis by eliciting the cytokine storm. I defined a critical role for IL-3 in myocarditis. I demonstrated that T cell output in the thymus relies on liver X receptors.
Systemic Inflammatory Networks and Inter-Organ Communication
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.
Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device and biotechnology companies to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their relationships with such companies.
Below are financial relationships with industry reported by Dr. Swirski during 2020 and/or 2021. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.
Employment:
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)
Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.