Activation, cell cycle and apoptosis in autoimmunity and inflammation

Activation, proliferation and apoptosis are basic mechanisms for regulation of activated/memory T cell expansion, known as homeostasis. Our research is focused on the identification of differences in the control of expansion between autoimmune and normal memory T cells. The unique characteristics of autoimmune memory T cells might be of therapeutic relevance for autoimmunity treatment. Our work led to the identification of p21 and Fas as two central molecules in the reactivation of memory T cells and the discovery or novel functions of these two molecules in regulating the reactivation of memory T cells. Furthermore, we found that p21 is a crucial regulator of autoimmune T cell memory and thus a target for disease treatment. As macrophage responses are determinant for autoimmunity development we examine the pathways of activation of macrophages and have identified p21 as an important inhibitor of macrophage activation.