The immune system protects us against infectious disease and cancer. However, it is also a threat to the individual in autoimmune diseases and allergy. Integrins are cell surface molecules that are involved in immune cell attachment and signaling. In this project we will study how integrins regulate immune cell function and immune responses. We are especially interested in the role of integrins in cells called dendritic cells, which are of fundamental importance for “kicking off” immune responses. We will investigate novel mechanisms that are used by integrins to regulate gene expression and restrict the function of these cells in immune responses in vivo. Studies on immune system regulation are fundamental for our understanding of health and disease, for example the rare genetic disorder Leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I, where integrin amounts are reduced or lost. These studies can also be helpful for development of new therapies to other immune cell-mediated disorders and cancer.

2023

2027