Cell Death and Immune Response: the Role of Necroptosis and Pyroptosis in Inflammation

Cell death is an essential cellular process during development, but also facilitates the removal of damaged or infected cells, and is required for the resolution of innate and adaptive immune responses.

Our research focus is the understanding of the inflammatory response, with particular emphasis on novel NLRs (Nucleotide-binding domain and Leucine-rich repeat containing Receptors), and the non-apoptotic forms of cell death during infection. In particular we are interested in how pathogens (viruses and bacteria) are recognized by the innate immune system to facilitate these signals and how some pathogens evolve to target these mechanisms and prevent the host inflammatory response.