The pathogenetic significance of interactions between components of the fibrinolytic and contact phase systems and bacterial surface molecules is also under investigation. A streptococciis is studied. The techniques used are comparisons beteen cysteine proteinase deficient strains of bacteria with wild type strains in the ability to invade human cells. One such exaple is the mucosa of the gastro-inestinal tract largely protected against acidic or enzymic attacks by the ecretion of mucins. The project aims at isolating and describing the structure and function of these molecules under normal conditions as well as during various diseases.
Macrophages have a key role in the initiation of inflammatory response.
The present research focuses on the role of a phospholipase A2, an ezyme being important for the release of certain inflammatory mediators like the prostaglandins. The activity and expression of this enzyme is being studied.