University of Oslo

Complement is part of the innate immune system protecting the host against invading micro-organisms. Regulatory control mechanisms normally prevent the system from extensive and systemic activation, thereby protecting the host from self-damage. Under various disease conditions complement is improperly activated, either locally leading to tissue damage or systemically with risk of serious homeostatic disturbances. A primary research goal for the Complement Research Group is to elucidate the role of complement as a primary inducer of the inflammatory reaction and thereby form a basis for a future therapeutic approach in complement-mediated disease processes. In particular the crosstalk between complement and the co-receptor CD14 of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family is in focus.