| In this research section molecular mechanisms of inflammatory processes are being studied, especially related to the non-specific branch of the immune system. Study subjects include the biology of Toll-like receptors, the interaction between the complement system, the clotting system, the fibrinolytic system, the kallikrein system and the cytokine network, mechanisms of action of serpin inhibitors on proteases of these systems, the role of C-reactive protein, serum amyloid protein and other plasma proteins in removal of dead cells and in tissue damage during inflammation, complement activation by mannose-binding protein, induction and regulation of neutrophil apoptosis, oxidative defense against microorganisms, leukocyte adhesion and migration, and interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells. As a result of these basic studies, analytical tools have been developed that are applied in clinical situations such as sepsis, inflammation, transplantation and immunodeficiencies to improve diagnostics and to develop and monitor therapeutic interventions. In patients with defects in granulocyte functions, diagnosis includes mutation analysis and prenatal diagnosis. |
