My research area is the intestinal immune system and how the bacterial colonisers of the gastro-intestinal tract affect the immune system. I also investigate how the cells constituting the mucosal lining are directly affected by the intestinal bacteria. The impact on the intestinal immune system caused by the constant presence of billions of bacteria can determine the prevalence of inflammatory diseases (allergy, autoimmune diseases and cardio-vascular diseases).

The intestinal epithelium and the mucosal immune cells constitute a system playing a primary role in health and disease. Understanding of this system can show how to interfere with it in a beneficial manner – either pharmacologically or with tailored diets.

Methods:

• Purification and culture of cells (dendritic cells, NK cells, epithelial cells, monocytes)  
• Human cells and mouse models
• Analysis of cytokines, surface molecules and signalling proteins
• Flow cytometry and RT-PCR
• Multivariate data analysis