Reactivation of inflammation by external stimuli

Reactivation of inflammation by external stimuli

Prof. Nicolas Fasel, Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne

Viral infections and certain current therapeutic treatments often reactivate inflammation in patients. The aim of our research is to find out why this is, and how such a reactivation of inflammation could be prevented. Inflammation is a central characteristic of rheumatic disorders causing many of the features well-known to sufferers, such as pain, swelling, joint stiffness, restricted mobility and general ill health. Understanding the impact of viruses or drugs on cellular metabolism and whether they induce oxidative stress or an anti-oxidative response leading to inflammation is a crucial step towards controlling inflammation and providing relief to any patient suffering from an inflammatory condition.