The Fagerholm group studies the role of leukocyte integrins in various immune reactions. We are interested in the in vivo roles and regulation of leukocyte beta2-integrins in a healthy and dysfunctional immune system.
The immune system functions to protect us from disease and is therefore fundamental for human survival. However, especially in “clean” Western societies, the immune system also poses a significant threat to the individual, as immune cell mediated diseases such as autoimmunity and allergy are becoming increasingly common. We are interested in leukocyte beta2-integrins, important cell surface receptors in leukocytes which regulate both adhesion and signalling in immune cells.