PI: Akos Heinemann
Focus: Chemotactic factors, their receptors and adhesion molecules on both leukocytes and endothelial cells in blood vessels play a crucial role in the multistep process of leukocyte infiltration into tissues, and are therefore considered promising therapeutic targets in various inflammatory states. Platelets also play a role in this process and can activate blood clotting. We focus on deepening the understanding of leukocyte and endothelial function and their interaction with each other to develop new pharmacological targets and drugs. To do this, we use isolated cell systems, tissue cultures, patient samples and disease models.
Network: The Division of Pharmacology is characterized by cross-team collaborations with the research groups of Eva Sturm, Grazyna Kwapiszewska (disease models and patient samples), Rudolf Schicho (histology and fluorescence microscopy) and Gunther Marsche (lipid metabolism). Patient samples are provided in scientific collaboration by the clinical departments for pulmonology, cardiology, nephrology and obstetrics. Close cooperations also exist with the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Pulmonary Vascular Research and international partners.
