Skip to main content

Daniel Raphael Saban

Professor of Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology, Corneal Diseases

Overview


The human immune system and nervous system, two complex networks, are intricately linked. The Saban Lab is dedicated to understanding how this partnership shapes our health and well-being. We believe that uncovering the secrets of this neuroimmune connection holds the key to preventing and treating a wide range of diseases.

To explore this complex relationship, we use the eye as a powerful model system. It's like a window into the brain, as well as the periphery, allowing us to observe and manipulate immune cells and neurons in real-time. By studying how these cells interact in the eye, we gain valuable insights into how they function throughout the body.

Our research workflow starts with a deep dive into genomic data, searching for hidden clues about how the immune and nervous systems communicate. Once we identify a promising target, we carefully investigate its role in health and disease. This knowledge empowers us to develop innovative therapies that can restore balance and prevent disease progression.

A prime example of our work is our focus on microglia, specialized immune cells in the brain. We use the retina as a window into the central nervous system, allowing us to study microglia in vivo. We've made significant strides in understanding how these cells contribute to both healthy vision and blinding eye diseases. Our research has led to the development of a promising drug that targets microglia to potentially save sight in patients with inherited and age-related retinal degenerative disease.

Another area of our research focuses on the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. This remarkable tissue is packed with nerves and is constantly interacting with the immune system. By studying the cornea, we're unraveling the complex interplay between nerves and immune cells, which has implications for understanding pain, wound healing, and other conditions.

The eye also offers a unique perspective on mucosal immunity. The conjunctiva, a thin tissue lining the eyelid and white part of the eye, is a readily accessible model of mucosal surfaces found throughout the body, such as the lungs and gut. By studying the conjunctiva, we can gain insights into how the immune system responds to infections and inflammation in these vital tissues.

We are actively seeking collaborations with researchers in immunology, neuroscience, ophthalmology, bioinformatics and related fields to advance our understanding of neuroimmunology. We invite talented and motivated individuals to join our team as postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, or research technicians. Together, we can make a significant impact on human health.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Ophthalmology · 2024 - Present Ophthalmology, Corneal Diseases, Ophthalmology
Vice Chair of Research Strategy · 2024 - Present Ophthalmology, Clinical Science Departments
Professor in Integrative Immunobiology · 2024 - Present Integrative Immunobiology, Basic Science Departments
Professor in Pathology · 2025 - Present Pathology, Clinical Science Departments
Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences · 2019 - Present Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, University Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published March 25, 2025
Duke Honors 31 New Distinguished Professors
Published April 19, 2021
Duke-Led Team Finds Why Women May Be Better Equipped to Fight COVID

View All News

Recent Publications


Prenatally derived macrophages support choroidal health and decline in age-related macular degeneration.

Journal Article J Exp Med · July 7, 2025 Hallmark findings in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) include the accumulation of extracellular lipid and vasodegeneration of the choriocapillaris. Choroidal inflammation has long been associated with AMD, but little is known about the immune landsca ... Full text Link to item Cite

Functional genomics in age-related macular degeneration: From genetic associations to understanding disease mechanisms.

Journal Article Exp Eye Res · May 2025 Genome-wide association studies have been remarkably successful in identifying genetic variants associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), demonstrating a strong genetic component largely driven by common variants. However, progress in transla ... Full text Link to item Cite

Deep Corneal Nerve Plexus Selective Damage in Persistent Neurotrophic Corneal Epithelial Defects Detected by In Vivo Multiphoton Confocal Microscopy.

Journal Article Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci · April 1, 2025 PURPOSE: To investigate the corneal nerve damage in neurotrophic corneal persistent epithelial defects by an in vivo imaging system using in vivo multiphoton confocal microscopy (MCM) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP):GFP Tg mice. METHODS: Corneal ... Full text Link to item Cite
View All Publications

Recent Grants


Defining the underlying causes of retinal degeneration in CRB1 disease

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Foundation Fighting Blindness, Inc · 2024 - 2029

Cellular and Molecular Dynamics of Retinal Microglial in the Context of Photoreceptor Degeneration

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

Blink, Lacrimation, and Nociception: Precision Mapping and Integrated Atlas Generation of Corneal Trigeminal Afferents in Mice and Humans

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2022 - 2027

View All Grants

Education, Training & Certifications


University of Florida · 2005 Ph.D.
University of Florida · 2002 M.S.