Genetics of Autoimmunity

Description

The group's research is focused on understanding the genetic and functional mechanisms of autoimmune diseases (including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, narcolepsy and myasthenia gravis) and ME/CFS, a disease with a putative autoimmune component. Their studies span DNA, RNA, epigenetics, proteins and cells. The group investigates large and well-characterised patient cohorts to unravel molecular signatures for disease development, as well as for predicting treatment and clinical outcome. Importantly, they are trying to understand the immune dysregulation taking place in these diseases at a single cell and spatial level by studying target tissues followed by investigations in blood to find potential biomarkers. Additionally, the group is exploring extracellular vesicles and their cargo, as these are important in cell-cell communication. Their overarching goal is to find molecular signatures being clinically useful, as well as uncover novel treatment targets. Description adapted from working group website: see link above.