• ACKR1 in immune response

ACKR1, also known as Duffy-antigen, binds 20+ inflammatory chemokines and was ascribed a unique expression profile in red blood cells, venular endothelial cells and Purkinje neurons. Individuals of African ancestry carry a genetic variant, rs2814778(G), in the gene encoding ACKR1. This variant results in the specific absence of ACKR1 expression on erythroid cells, causing a Duffy-negative phenotype. We generated a new mouse model that carries the mouse equivalent of the human rs2814778(G) polymorphism. We are currently investigating the function of erythroid-ACKR1 in the context of inflammatory diseases.

• CXCL12-ACKR3 in cardiovascular disease
  

GWAS studies have linked the expression of CXCL12 to cardiovascular disease. However, there is still incomplete knowledge regarding the origin of CXCL12 and its role in attracting immune cells in the context of atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall. Using advanced imaging technology, our research focuses on examining how immune cells migrate in human atherosclerotic plaques, with the aim of understanding their potential influence on atherosclerosis. Additionally, using transgenic mouse models, we explore the role of CXCL12 and its chemokine receptors, namely CXCR4 and ACKR3, in the context of atherosclerosis.

• Western diet and hematopoeisis 

Dietary factors have a substantial impact on overall health, and Western diet, even for a short period, not only disrupts arterial homeostasis but also affects hematopoiesis, the process responsible for immune cells production. Currently, using transgenic mouse models we investigate how short-term Western diet influences clonal hematopoiesis and the expansion of immune cells. Additionally, in collaboration with Dr. S. Frenz and Prof. C Klein, we are utilizing a newly developed human bone marrow organoid system to unravel the molecular mechanisms behind altered hematopoiesis induced by short-term Western diet.