Control of neutrophil infiltration into inflamed sites
Lead investigators:
Neutrophils are vital cells for our defence against infection, but they also play a destructive role in some inflammatory diseases – where instead of destroying pathogens, they damage the body’s own cells. A major problem in these diseases is the chronic accumulation of neutrophils to the inflamed site. Limiting this infiltration of neutrophils could reduce the severity of the disease.
We are investigating the mechanisms controlling neutrophil extravasation from blood vessels to inflammatory sites. Specifically, we are looking at the molecular events that lead to membrane expansion as a permissive step in neutrophil adhesion and spreading onto blood vessel endothelium.
Key Publications:
Hallett MB, von Ruhland CJ, Dewitt S. (2008) Chemotaxis and the cell surface-area problem. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 9(8):662.
Dewitt S, Hallett M. (2007) Leukocyte membrane "expansion": a central mechanism for leukocyte extravasation. J Leukoc Biol 81(5):1160-4.
Funding:
