We study a group of receptors preferentially expressed by antigen-presenting cells and phagocytes, which play a central role in the immune response. They control the activation of the innate and adaptive response through direct cell-cell contact and through secretion of cytokines and other soluble mediators.
Genetic studies have shown that the receptors we have cloned are associated with autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. That is to say, genetic variations in these receptors most likely predispose for autoimmune disease.