Principal Investigator:
Szilvia BENKŐ, PhD (CV)
associate professor (habil.)
Szent-Györgyi Mentor – National Academy of Scientifist Education program
Background
Nod-like receptors (NLRs), a class of intracellular pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), are central to immune surveillance. They detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), triggering downstream pathways that regulate a vast array of cellular functions, including cytokine production, signal transduction, cell proliferation, and programmed cell death. NLRs thus serve as gatekeepers of innate immune responses, balancing defense mechanisms and tissue homeostasis.
The innate immune system serves as the body’s first line of defense, playing a pivotal role in the detection and elimination of pathogens, while also serving as a bridge to the activation of the adaptive immune system. Among the key players in this process are monocytes-derived macrophages, which not only defend against infection but are integral to the initiation, maintenance, and resolution of inflammation, as well as tissue regeneration.
Research
Our laboratory focuses on understanding the role of Nod-like receptors (NLRs) in various cell types under various cellular and tissue conditions.
- To explore the diverse roles of NLRs and inflammasome function in innate immune responses, we employ a range of in vitro models, including human monocytes, differentiated macrophages with a focus on the differences between various subpopulations of macrophages, including human monocyte-derived macrophages and murine bone marrow-derived macrophages.
- To explore the roles of NLRs in skeletal muscle development and regeneration, we incorporate C2C12 cell line, primary myoblast/myotube cultures and in vivo skeletal muscle. Complementing these cell models, we utilize in vivo systems, including various knockout mouse models, to investigate NLR functions in a physiologically relevant context.
Current group members
- Eduárd BÍRÓ, MSc, assistant research fellow
- Hala AHMAD, PhD student, with Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
- Fanni BALOGH, MSc student, laboratory assistant
- Norbert GŐDÉR, MSc student, laboratory assistant; student of the Talent Management Program (DETEP)
- Hanna GÖMBÖS, BSc student; student of the Talent Management Program (DETEP)
- Zsófia POCZIK, Student in General Medicine, Student of the National Academy of Scientist Education program
- Judit FORGÁCS, Student in General Medicine
Alumni group members
- Ahmad ALATSHAN, PhD student
- Gergő Elek KOVÁCS, PhD student
- Marietta BUDAI, PhD
- Aliz VARGA, PhD
List of publications