Applied Immunology
Identification of serum protein markers for the early detection of lung diseases; treatment of organ damage caused by oxygen deficiency or inflammation.
Serum protein markers are identified for the early detection of lung diseases and the prevention of organ damage caused by oxygen deficiency or inflammation (e.g. in the case of heart attack or stroke).
Lung cancer and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) – caused by smoking or environmental toxins – are diseases that increase worldwide. Once they are diagnosed, the chances of cure for the patients are already severely limited. Biomarkers (measurable indicators in the serum) help to detect these diseases at a very early stage. With further clinical diagnosis, risk patients can receive medical advice or therapy at an early stage of the illness.
Inflammation of any kind in the body causes scars. In the case of skin injuries, heart attack, stroke and autoimmune diseases the body’s immune system is activated and defense cells are sent to the inflammation area, with the consequence of an increase of the size of the damage zone. By a better understanding and control of these processes, we intend to improve organ regeneration and -protection.