We are using cellular and molecular biological techniques to investigate molecular mechanisms of the innate immune response. Our research focuses on identifying molecular pathways in inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis, which are initiated or regulated by innate immune proteins C1q and MBL. These proteins participate in the removal of pathogens, damaged molecules (such as oxidized lipoproteins, so-called “bad cholesterol”),and cellular debris by the immune system, but also activate complement, a pro-inflammatory cascade. We aim to dissect the dual role of these proteins in inflammatory disease, and to identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
