We study the immune responses towards respiratory syncytial virus and Rotavirus, both mucosal viruses, infecting the lung and the small intestine, respectively. Our focus lies in understanding the interactions of immune cells that ultimately lead to protective immunity at these barrier surfaces.
We are primarily interested in dendritic cells as major antigen-presenting cells of the body, and their effect on the humoral immune response. IgA has important functions in homeostasis at the mucosa.
We hope that our research will guide better vaccine design, but will also lead to better understanding of the intricate balance between protection and tolerance at vulnerable sites, such as the intestines and lungs.
