Silke Meiners

"In my research I concentrate on a specific protein complex in cells – the proteasome. It breaks proteins down into small parts that are then used to produce new protein molecules. The proteasome is a central element of the natural recycling of proteins in the cell. In immune cells the immunoproteasome is an important lever that controls the immune response to infection and inflammation. A change in the function of the immunoproteasome can contribute to acute and chronic diseases. In my working group at the Research Center Borstel we are examining how these protein complexes are controlled in autoimmune diseases, infections and chronic lung diseases. Specific inhibitors can prevent excessive activation of the immunoproteasome and represent a new approach for the treatment of these diseases."