Research Unit

Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology

Acronym
GLIPh
Duration
19 April 2019 → Ongoing
Other information
Research disciplines
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Hepatology
    • Gastro-enterology and hepatology not elsewhere classified
    • Hepatology (incl. pancreas)
    • Gastro-enterology and hepatology not elsewhere classified
Description
The Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology unit focusses on the exploration of new therapeutic opportunities for intestinal and hepatic disorders. The pathogenesis of chronic liver and intestinal diseases is hallmarked by a dysfunctional immune response and subsequently continuous tissue damage, remodeling and pathological new vessel formation. Therefore, our group has specific interest in targeting inflammatory and angiogenic pathways as therapeutic strategy for hepatic and intestinal disorders. In addition, we have specific interest in the interconnection between the liver and the gut. Both organs are anatomically connected through the enterohepatic circulation and the hepatic portal system and it is not surprising that stressors affecting gut’s homeostasis affect the liver and vice versa. The gut is a patrolling organ that has to sense essential nutrients and information but inhibit harmful components from entering the body. The liver has a tolerogenic role towards the constant portal supply of these intestinal products and this function is disrupted during chronic liver diseases which are characterized by a leaky gut and chronic hepatic immune activation. In addition, specific hepatic disorders represent with associated intestinal inflammation strengthening the interaction between both organs and the need to further explore interconnected pathways and how we can interfere in this gut-liver axis as therapeutic strategy.