Research interests

Proprotein convertases (PC) cleave and convert immature pro-proteins into functional end products. We have previously shown that expression of a PC family member furin is highly regulated in immune cells and its expression in T cells is critical for maintenance of peripheral immune tolerance. Our research interest focuses on analyzing the role of PCs in the function and development of immune system. We explore how furin and other PC family members regulate immunity, and how they contribute to the pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases and host-defense.

Main collaborators

John O'Shea (NIAMS/NIH), John Creemers (University of Leuven), Mika Rämet (University of Tampere), Garry Corthals (University of Turku), Panu Kovanen (University of Helsinki)

Current sources of external funding:

European Union, Academy of Finland, Medical Research Fund of Tampere University Hospital (EVO), Sigrid Juselius Foundation, Emil Aaltonen Foundation