I am a professor at Aarhus University, where I conduct research the immune system of the airways and its significance for resistance to infectious diseases and chronic lung disorders.
Throughout my career, I have contributed to a number of discoveries in immunology, working on new approaches to treating viral infections and understanding the metabolic processes that affect immune function. My research has implications for the development of therapeutic strategies against diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 and measles.
In addition to my academic career, I have also played an active role in the private sector. From January 2024 to May 2025, I served as the director of UVmedico, an Aarhus-based company, where I helped strengthen the connections between research and industry.
On a daily basis, I teach medical students and am the lead author of the textbook in the subject of Immunology for the medical and dental programs. Before my academic career, I had a background in the military, where I trained as an officer in the infantry. This experience has provided me with valuable skills in leadership and teamwork, which I continue to apply in my current work.
Our laboratory conducts research in molecular biology, immunology, and cellular metabolism, focusing on innate immune responses and their implications for disease. We investigate the cGAS-STING pathway, a critical signaling mechanism that detects cytosolic DNA from pathogens, to understand its role in immune responses and inflammatory diseases. Our recent work has shifted to viral infections of the airways, particularly Influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, and Measles virus, using advanced models of human airway epithelium to study host-pathogen interactions.
We also explore how metabolic processes influence immune function. E.g. research reveals that metabolites such as lactate and glutamate can inhibit interferon responses, impacting immune efficacy during infections. In addition to our scientific endeavors, we are committed to mentoring students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovative thinking.
