I am a Ph.D.-student at the University of Oslo and a Medical Doctor in Anaesthesiology and  Intensive Care Medicine at the Clinic for Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet funded by a departmental Ph.D. grant.

Project description:

Project title: Deciphering and modulating the complement system in sterile inflammation

Inflammation is vital for host defense against invasive pathogens. The inflammatory response is also crucial for tissue and wound repair. Trauma, ischemia/reperfusion injury or chemically induced injury can cause “sterile inflammation», meaning inflammation occurring in the absence of microorganisms. Although inflammation is important in tissue repair and eradication of harmful pathogens, unresolved, chronic inflammation or an exacerbated inflammatory response can be detrimental for the host as it may lead to e.g. tissue destruction and fibrosis.

Sterile inflammation is an important component in various disease processes. We aim to investigate sterile inflammation occurring in light chain amyloidosis, graft versus host disease and organ transplantation as well as possible interventions to dampen this process. Specifically, we will investigate if and how the complement system affects therapeutic stem cell function and survival upon contact with the recipient’s blood.