Attacking heart-lung disease via the immune system

Project summary

Vasoconstriction in the lungs can cause localized high blood pressure, known as (pulmonal arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH makes it difficult for the heart to pump enough blood through the lungs. The researcher will investigate whether specific immune defense cells (dendritic cells) are overly activated in PAH-patients, resulting in damaged blood vessels. Additionally, the role of A20 protein in inhibiting overactive dendritic cells in PAH-patients will be explored.

This study will provide new insights on the risk of getting PAH in case dendritic cells are overactive and they are not properly being inhibited by the A20 protein. This may lead to new routes for prevention and/or hampering of the development of PAH.