Mechanisms and dynamics of adaptive immune responses in atherosclerosis

Bakgrund:

The importance of T cells in atherosclerosis is well established. However, the mode of action of T cells in atherosclerosis represents a great gap in our understanding. Målsättning:

This research proposal describes mechanistic studies to elucidate key aspects of T cell pathology. In patients we will investigate the relationship between T cell function and atherosclerosis (Functional IMmunology and CardiOvascular Disease [FIMCOD] study) with the goal of discovering novel biomarkers as well as mechanistic insight.

Arbetsplan:

In mice we will investigate kinetics and activation of T cells using several complementary methodologies including transgenic reporter mice and immunoregulatory antibodies. In the FIMCOD study we we will investigate functional immunity, here defined as the immune response to influenza vaccination, and its relationship to cardiovascular disease.

Betydelse:

Understanding the pathobiological process is key to formulating an intervention. These studies will shed light on key aspects of T cell driven pathology which may guide the next generation of immunomodulatory treatments. Further, our studies in patients may yield novel biomarkers predicting patients at risk of cardiovascular disease and lead to the discovery of novel pathological mechanisms.