The link between inflammation, metabolism and cardiovascular disease

Investigating the metabolic control of T cell migration: implications for immune inflammation in physiology & cardiovascular metabolic disease

Cardiovascular metabolic diseases, including atherosclerosis (the process that underlies coronary heart disease), obesity and diabetes, are a leading cause of ill health. There is evidence to show that low grade inflammation is associated with cardiovascular metabolic diseases, and preliminary results suggest that interfering with metabolic pathways (for instance, metabolism of fats and glucose) alters the movement of immune cells, called T cells. In this fellowship, Dr Mauro proposes that metabolic alterations in cardiovascular metabolic diseases lead to abnormal T cell migration patterns, which in turn leads to chronic inflammation. Dr Mauro will explore the molecular mechanisms of metabolic control of T cell migration in physiology and under metabolic stress. He will also investigate the effect of drugs that correct altered metabolism (e.g. the antidiabetic drug metformin) on T cell trafficking and inflammation in well-established models of atherosclerosis (the process that underlies coronary heart disease) and obesity. These studies will provide insights into the role of energy balance on the immune system and the effect of altering metabolism on the development of T cell-mediated inflammation, as well as new therapeutic targets to prevent inflammation in these conditions.