Translational Immunology

Our group aims to understand the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and inflammation. Activities are focused on translational research using porcine models to investigate innate immune mechanisms, the first line of defense against invading microorganisms.

We perform research that facilitates discovery of new biomarkers for high throughput and cost efficient diagnostics, and pinpoints targets for future development of therapeutics for respiratory diseases. We are deeply involved in translational research using porcine models for human diseases including influenza virus infection, bone inflammation and regeneration, necrotizing enterocolitis, traumatic lesions, and S. aureus sepsis.

Inflammation in diverse settings

Inflammation is a central focus area of the majority of our research. We study inflammation in settings of obesity, injury, sepsis, and respiratory and intestinal diseases and infections using methods for quantification of coding and non-coding RNA in tissue samples, cell cultures, and blood. Microfluidic high-throughput real-time quantitative PCR using hundreds of validated gene expression assays of immune factors in pigs, cattle, horses, sheep, chickens, and fish are implemented in our lab. We likewise employ our expertise within qPCR for the design of diagnostic assays for a wide range of pig, cattle and fish pathogens in collaboration with DTU Aqua and Centre for Diagnostics, DTU.

Host-pathogen interactions in viral and bacterial lung infections

Respiratory infections are the cause enormous economic losses to Danish and foreign pig producers. We aim to understand the interaction between host and pathogen (both bacterial and viral) during the infection. By measuring expression of genes and proteins encoded by both organisms in the immediate surroundings of the invading pathogen, we get a more comprehensive understanding of the infection dynamics and the interplay between host and pathogen. We aim to translate this knowledge into identification of biomarkers and therapeutic candidates for surveillance, diagnostics, and control of important pathogens for the improvement of animal production and welfare.

Main projects and focus areas

• To unravel the molecular basis of how influenza virus crosses the species barrier in order to overcome the challenge of future pandemics.

• To discover and improve antibody candidates for influenza virus diagnostic and neutralization using phage display and later glycoengineering of relevant candidates.

   

• To understand influenza virus infection and vaccination in settings of chronic low grade inflammation experienced during natural aging and in obesity. We study the influence of co-morbidities like metabolic syndrome and low-grade inflammation on influenza virus infection and influenza vaccination.

   

• To design, optimize, and implement diagnostic tests for human and veterinary pathogens of primarily pigs, cattle, and fish.

   

• To increase the understanding of the zoonotic porcine pathogen Streptococcus suis by identifying host correlates of bacterial virulence in sophisticated ex vivo models, and elucidate the importance of e.g. protective bacterial commensals as well as viral co-infections during infection.