Forskning

Diana Karpman's project focuses on the pathogenesis of renal diseases and the infectious, inflammatory and prothrombotic mechanisms leading to acute and chronic renal failure. Novel mechanisms of disease propagation via blood-borne and cell-derived microvesicles as well as complement and kinin system activation are investigated. The diseases investigated are enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infection, hemolytic uremic syndrome, complement-mediated renal disease and vasculitis. Mechanisms by which tissue damage is induced are investigated to define the bacterial and host components causing disease. Defining mechanisms of complement and kinin system activation based on genetic and functional assays may explain why patients are prone to thrombosis and inflammation promoting progression of kidney disease. Ultimately, we aim to develop specific treatments to prevent the spread of bacterial virulence factors and neutralize detrimental activation of the complement and kinin systems.