Main contributions
VIP/receptor axis as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator:
- Gene expression and production of VIP and PACAP in immune system cells, as well as characterisation of their receptors.
- VIP role as an anti-inflammatory agent and modulator of pathogen recognition receptors (PRR) and their signalling.
- Immunomodulatory role of VIP in subpopulations of T-collaborating lymphocytes, regulating their differentiation and plasticity.
- VIP modulatory effect on macrophage polarisation.
- VIP protective role against osteoclastogenesis and cartilage destruction.
- VIP therapeutic potential in animal models of endotoxic shock, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and autoimmune diabetes.
pathophysiological mechanisms of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases:
- Differences in the behaviour and modulation of inflammatory mediators between fibroblastic synoviocytes from healthy donors, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Differential expression of pathogen recognition receptors and their signalling in fibroblastic synoviocytes from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Differences in the behaviour, differentiation and polarisation of different subpopulations of T-helper lymphocytes from healthy donors and rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Comparative analysis of the expression of immunomediators produced by fibroblastic synoviocytes from patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, including the CRF/Urocortin system, alarmins and mediators involved in cartilage and bone destruction.
- Relationship between cellular ageing of immune system cells and the production of inflammatory mediators.
Contributions to the research of biomarkers in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
Description of their potential use as a prognostic biomarker for personalised treatments in rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthritis.