When our immune system is fighting invading viruses, a situation called inflammation occurs. In reality, inflammation is a conglomeration of processes that occur when the immune system is mobilised to fight an invading virus.

One of the most striking things that happens during inflammation is an increase of blood flow to the affected tissue so that it becomes red and hot, which has also given the process its name. In order to initiate inflammation, the immune system must first recognise the viral infection, so that the immune system knows both what to fight and where the "enemy" is.

"The first part of our project deals with the 'scout' mechanisms that the immune system uses to recognise invading viruses," explains Rune Hartmann. "Inflammation itself is necessary for our immune system to effectively fight viruses, but sometimes the inflammation becomes so strong that it causes serious illness. As is seen in COVID19 patients suffering from severe infection in the lower respiratory tract. Here, the inflammation draws fluid into the lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe,” continues Rune Hartmann.

"In the second part of our project, we seek to understand the molecular mechanisms by which the inflammatory process is controlled and thus open new ways to control the inflammation in virus-infected patients," concludes Rune Hartmann.

The main goal of the research group is to develop strategies by which the inflammation can be limited by the use of pharmaceuticals without significantly limiting the immune system's ability to fight viruses.

Professor Rune Hartmann
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Aarhus University, Denmark
rh@mbg.au.dk

Mobil: + 45 28992578