Molecular control of pathogenic neutrophil responses in inflammation

Chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis and diabetes, are increasing in prevalence all over the world. Despite progress in understanding how they develop and what components of the immune system may be involved, much remains unknown.

I will focus on neutrophils, which I have previously shown are important in inflammatory arthritis and are dependent on the activation of other immune cells, macrophages. I will study how neutrophil function is guided by intrinsic molecular regulators and influenced by extrinsic protein and lipid signals produced by macrophages.

These studies will help to redefine the role of these cells in chronic inflammatory diseases and lead to development of new therapeutic targets and biomarkers to guide diagnosis and treatment.