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Project

Neutrophil migration and activation in auto-inflammatory diseases: role of the chemokine network and of posttranslational modification of chemokines

Leukocyte migration is crucial during inflammation. It is regulated by a network of molecules including adhesion molecules, leukocyte attractants such as chemokines and their receptors. Although most leukocyte attractants have been identified, posttranslational modifications affecting their activity are still being discovered. These modifications may increase or decrease the activity of attractants and may even result in the generation of receptor antagonists. In this project, we will proceed with the identification of natural posttranslational modifications regulating chemokine activity and will further optimize detection methods to discriminate between different modified forms. We will establish quantification methods for the individual modified forms and study their role in patients with auto-inflammation. Most auto-inflammatory diseases start at a young age. Patients suffer from systemic inflammation and specific tissue involvement. Auto-inflammation, in contrast to autoimmunity, occurs in the absence of autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells. Complications associated with auto-inflammation range from growth retardation and periodic high fever to infertility, blindness, deafness or kidney failure. Typically patients suffering from autoinflammation have large numbers of circulating neutrophils. With this project we will investigate in detail the role of the network of neutrophil chemoattractants in pediatric patients suffering from autoinflammation.

Date:1 Jan 2018 →  31 Dec 2021
Keywords:Neutrophil migration, Auto-inflammatory diseases, Chemokine
Disciplines:Other biological sciences