The Clinical Immunology research groups have a strong translational focus. The research projects aim to increase the understanding about immunological mechanisms in patients with cancer or autoimmune disease (diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or multiple sclerosis) and to explain the immune reactions that occur when immune cells or components come in contact with biomaterial, transplanted organs, cells or viruses used for therapy. Within this research area they are developing novel immune, gene and cell therapies as well as diagnostic/prognostic markers, which are tested in clinical trials in collaboration with Uppsala University Hospital, other national and international universities, the immune diagnostic industry, EU networks and the Nordic Network for Islet Transplantation.

Coatings of liposomes in order to avoid innate immune recognition

Drug delivery by liposomes is a technique to contain and neutralize toxic drugs, e.g. various chemotherapies, in order to avoid release of the drug to off-target cells. Liposomes injected into the blood are, however, recognized by the innate immune system, leading to accelerated removal of the particles and to adverse reactions.

Attempts to conceal the surface with polyethyleneglycol (PEG) have been partially successful, but also this coat has been shown to be recognized by the innate immune system. The so-called accelerated blood clearance (ABC) phenomenon has been suggested to be triggered by natural IgM antibodies. In this project, which is supported by the FP7 project DECENT AID, they attempt to find alternative coatings to avoid innate immune recognition and ABC.

Researchers

  Bo Nilsson

  Professor in clinical natural immunity

  Kristina Nilsson Ekdahl

  Professor

  Dr. Claudia Dührkop

  PhD at University Bern (2013) in clinical research and
  immunology