Mikael Karlsson group

To study the activation and recruitment of B cells in innate autoreactive responses we study the B cell responses to self-antigens using syngeneic apoptotic cells (mimicking the autoimmune disease SLE) and other inflammatory stimuli. In this project we ask which APC and innate or adaptive T cell reactivity that are involved in regulating autoimmune B cell recruitment. 

Even though much is known about the T cell dependent events leading to IgE production, little is known about the early events in the selection of B cells that produce IgE. We study this in models of both asthma and eczema to evaluate B cell activation. 

Metastatic cancer develops primarily at secondary sites by interaction with stromal cells within a supporting extra cellular matrix. 

Our studies on the recruitment of B cells in SLE using apoptotic cells as antigen have many connections to atherosclerosis.

The early innate responsiveness of the immune system is not only important for quick immune responses to pathogens but also to initiate and shape the subsequent adaptive immune response. 

Models for allergy, cancer, autoimmunity and atherosclerosis, flow cytometry and sorting including live signaling, CBA, ELISA, ELISPOT, multiphoton intravital microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, TIRF (Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy), cell culture (primary cells and cell lines), Antibody production and genetics/molecular biology techniques.