After my PhD studies in Germany, I moved to Sweden for a 2-year postdoc in the group of Prof. Dr. Heiko Herwald. I worked independently on a project studying mechanisms underlying NET formation. 

In my current position in the group of Prof. Lars Björck (Molecular Pathogenesis), I aim to unveil the interplay of human host proteins with Gram-positive cocci during infection.

Infections with group A streptococci (GAS) and Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (GPAC) can cause mild diseases as well as severe invasive conditions, such as sepsis and necrotizing fasciitis. Reduced susceptibility towards certain antibiotics alongside existing comorbidities amplify the risk of detrimental outcome for the host. Interactions between host and bacterial proteins are highly significant for pathogenesis and virulence.

The streptococcal inhibitor of complement (SIC) has been reported to bind and inactivates host defence proteins, being implicated in serious disease progression. Similar to GAS, virulence factors of GPAC species F. magna, such as F. magna adhesion factor (FAF) and Protein L have been associated with binding to host proteins and induction of clinical infection.

Applying a range of molecular, cellular and biophysical methods (e.g. Infection assays, Circular Dichroism, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Surface Plasmon Resonance), my research aims to provide novel and crucial information needed to target GAS and GPAC infections, thus promoting the development of potential preventive and therapeutic strategies.