Humoral Immunity and Atherosclerosis
Research group information
Unit and faculty
Contact information
Research group leader
- ProfessorSohvi Hörkkö
Research group description
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases remain a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the vessel wall characterized by increased oxidative stress. One of the candidate sets of antigens for immune system in atherosclerosis is oxidized lipid epitopes. Our research group investigates the role of natural and adaptive humoral immune responses to oxidized lipid epitopes in the development of atherosclerosis. We are focused in cloning and characterizing antibodies to epitopes that share molecular mimicry with microbial pathogens.
The chronic inflammatory processes throughout the life are modulated by the innate and adaptive immune system. We aim discover the roles of gut microbiota and mucosal immune system in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Our research group aims to identify novel target therapies modulating the immune system to alter the course of atherogenesis.