Our lab focuses on two key areas to improve respiratory health

Our research aims to advance understanding and provide effective solutions for these challenging respiratory conditions.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis and N-ERD

Chronic sinusitis affects around 10% of all people and causes them to suffer from pain, nasal blockage and loss of smell for months or even years. Sometimes the disease also appears with nasal polyps and intolerance to some pain-relief medicines.

While surgery can be an option to treat this condition, it often simply keeps returning. New drugs that target specific immune cell communications are proving very successful and this shows how important immune cells are in this disease. However many aspects of the mechanisms underlying this disease are still poorly understood but could inspire novel therapeutic approaches.

Illustration of the cells (mast cells, B cells, T cells) involved involved in the inflammatory process leading ultimately to nasal polyp formation

Illustration of the cells (mast cells, B cells, T cells) involved involved in the inflammatory process leading ultimately to nasal polyp formation

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is caused by a skewed immune response in the nasal passages, where immune cells release substances like cytokines that lead to long-term inflammation. This inflammation causes tissue swelling, leading to the formation of polyps that block the nasal passages and sinuses.

In this context we also investigate the interaction between the epithelium and the nasal microbiome to elucidate their roles in respiratory health and disease. Furthermore, we investigate the immunological mechanism triggered by current therapeutics and participate in clinical studies with novel therapeutics targeting chronic rhinosinusitis with a special focus on those suffering from the trias of asthma, nasal polyps and hypersensitivity towards non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  Together with the Department of Pulmonology at the Medical University of Vienna we work on understanding the interconnectedness of the upper and lower respiratory tracts to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for conditions like asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis.

Respiratory Allergies

A few decades ago, allergies only affected around 10% of the population but nowadays over a quarter of all people (in developed countries) suffer from seasonal allergies.

Aside from the symptoms which range from simple rhinitis to more life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis, patients also suffer from a decreased quality of life, not only due to disease related physical impairments but also due to impaired daily activities and social life.

Respiratory allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen or pet dander, producing a specific antibody called IgE. This antibody bound to the surface of immune cells triggers the release of mediators like histamine, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing upon contact with its cognate antigen.

Illustration of the early phase nasal reaction in allergy, with IgE producing B cells and mediator secreting activated mast cells

Illustration of the early phase nasal reaction in allergy, with IgE producing B cells and
mediator secreting activated mast cells

Our research focuses on understanding the kinetics of the immune response and IgE production following nasal allergen contact.

We currently investigate changes in the immunoglobulin repertoire and in effector cell sensitivity after controlled allergen provocation. Our upcoming project focuses on understanding changes in allergic immune responses with advancing age (FWF KLIF).

Our research is funded by

UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) toend poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Our work contributes towards thefollowing SDG(s):

Good Health and Well-Being IconQuality Education IconGender Equality IconClimate Action Icon
Illustration of a scientist passionate for translational research, representing both the laboratory and the clinical work

Are you passionate about translational research?

We're looking for dedicated researchers to join our team and help advance our understanding of respiratory allergies, chronic rhinosinusitis, and NSAID- exacerbated respiratory disease. If you're interested in being part of our mission, we'd love to hear from you!

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Illustration of the prevalence of Chronic rhinosinusitis with and without polyps in the general population

Do you suffer from respiratory allergies or nasal polyps?

Your participation in our studies can help us advance our understanding and develop better treatments for these conditions. Contact us to find out how you can get involved.

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