Barbara Kaplan

Dr. Barbara Kaplan is an Associate Professor at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where her research bridges immunotoxicology and cannabinoid pharmacology. She received her BS in Environmental Toxicology from UC Davis and a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Michigan State University in 2001.

• Research Focus: Elucidating how drugs and chemicals alter immune function via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathways and endocannabinoid system interactions
• Key Tools: Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) models, in vitro immune assays, and CNR1/CNR2 knockout mouse studies

Her recent work explores CBD delivery systems that minimize liver toxicity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy in neuroinflammatory conditions. Publications show a strong emphasis on environmental immunotoxicants like TCDD and chlorpyrifos, with specific attention to B cell regulatory mechanisms and cannabinoid receptor-independent effects. She actively investigates cross-species immune responses through comparative studies in human and murine models.

Dr. Kaplan's lab contributes to neuroimmune pharmacology through studies on cannabis compounds' effects on cytokine production and T cell function. Her work has advanced understanding of TCDD's immunosuppressive properties and engineered nanoparticle adjuvants in allergic disease models. She maintains leadership in methodological innovations like standardized cannabis extract protocols and RNA isolation techniques for complex tissues.