Mariko L Bennett

Dr. Mariko L Bennett serves as Assistant Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pennsylvania, where she leads the Mariko Bennett Lab focused on microglial biology in pediatric neuroimmunological diseases. Her research integrates clinical neurology with basic science to develop novel therapeutic approaches for conditions like leukodystrophies and Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome.

Her primary research investigates microglia—the brain's resident macrophages—in neurodevelopment and disease, with emphasis on therapeutic microglia replacement, viral gene therapy engineering, and human disease modeling. The lab employs cutting-edge techniques including single-cell transcriptomics and engineered disease models to elucidate glial contributions to neuroinflammation and identify intervention points for pediatric neurological disorders.

Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on microglia replacement therapies for monogenic neurological diseases, with emerging themes in neuroimmune crosstalk, seizure modulation, and leukodystrophy mechanisms. Her work bridges fundamental glial biology with translational applications, particularly in pediatric contexts where neurodevelopmental timing is critical.

Scientific recognition includes:

• NIH Director’s Early Independence Award (2023)
• CHOP Faculty Honor Roll for resident education (2024)
• Klaus Hummler High Impact Award for Immunity publication (2025)

Dr. Bennett mentors four PhD candidates in Penn's Neuroscience Graduate Group and Gene Therapy program, alongside undergraduate researchers. Her lab secured an R01 grant for Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome research and develops shareable tools for the neuroimmunology community. Current funding supports microglia-targeting therapeutic development and humanized disease modeling.

The lab operates within CHOP's Leukodystrophy Center of Excellence with strong ties to the Global Leukodystrophy Initiative (GLIA) and collaborative networks including the Chris Bennett Lab and Shane Liddelow Lab. Team members actively participate in Gliadelphia initiatives and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory meetings, maintaining a dynamic environment focused on translating microglial discoveries into clinical applications for pediatric neurological disorders.