The molecular mechanism by which TRAF6 regulates the immune system

The immune system is vital for defence against microbial pathogens, but when it is activated too strongly or cannot be switched off, it can cause inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, asthma, colitis, fibrosis, lupus, psoriasis and sepsis. These diseases affect millions of people worldwide. It is therefore critical to understand the mechanisms that switch on the immune system, prevent it from being activated too strongly and switch it off again when it is no longer needed.

My research builds on novel findings made by my research team, which have advanced our understanding of how the immune system is regulated. 

These findings may lead to the development of improved drugs to treat diseases caused by a deregulated immune system.