Our research focuses on the communication between microorganisms and the immune system, exploring how this interaction can determine health or disease outcomes. Specifically, it investigates how commensals may influence and guard against inflammation in the lungs and upper respiratory tract, particularly in response to allergens, viral infections, or irritants. These triggers form essential risk factors for developing chronic respiratory diseases like asthma or COPD.
Our approach begins by examining the impact of lifestyle and environmental changes on mucosal immunity and respiratory health in rural and urban populations, across different age groups. We use advanced models to understand better the mechanisms at play, including mouse infection and lung inflammation studies, and human in vitro models based on primary immune and respiratory epithelial cells. Additionally, we are launching challenge and intervention studies to test the effects of commensal-derived products on human subjects.
Our ultimate goal is to develop microbial-based strategies to prevent or mitigate the exacerbation of inflammatory lung diseases.
