Why do young people without classic risk factors suffer strokes or heart attacks? A new research group funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) aims to answer this critical question.
The research unit FOR 5930, led by the University of Lübeck, brings together scientists from Lübeck, Berlin, and Kiel to systematically investigate, for the first time, how misdirected antibodies can trigger inflammation in blood vessels and thereby cause severe vascular diseases. The DFG is funding the four-year project with approximately €6.2 million.
The institute is actively involved in these interdisciplinary research activities through its collaboration with the research group led by Prof. G. Riemekasten. The newly established research group, titled “Autoantibodies Against G Protein–Coupled Receptors as Drivers of Vascular Diseases (AbsInVasc)”, focuses on understanding the development of pathogenic autoantibodies that specifically target G protein–coupled receptors.
A key component of the research is Project P1, led by PD Dr. Aherrahrou, which examines the role of CXCR3/4 expression and its interaction with autoantibodies in atherosclerosis. By uncovering these molecular mechanisms, the researchers hope to identify new pathways that explain vascular disease in patients without traditional risk profiles and ultimately contribute to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Lübeck live: Forschungsgruppe untersucht Antikörper als Treiber schwerer Gefäßerkrankungen