Our major research interests are directed towards cellular and molecular mechanisms in autoimmune diseases. We are interested in external (enteroviruses) and internal factors (commensal microflora, T cell effector function) that lead to development of autoimmune desctruction of pancreatic beta-cells in type 1 diabetes and latent adult-onset autoimmune diabetes (LADA). Specifically, we like to understand how immunological regulatory mechanisms in intestinal mucosa are involved in the development of autoimmune diabetes. Our research also aims to develop new prognostic, diagnostic and treatment monitoring immunoassays. Important clinical outcome-oriented development is related to fibrin preparations based on salmon blood clotting/coagulation proteins, which can be used as a matrix in new technologies in regenerative medicine and in cell cultures in vitro.
In Estonia: Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Pharmacy, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Unversity of Tartu, United Laboratories of Tartu University Hospital.
East-Tallinn Central Hospital, West Tallinn Central Hospital, Tallinn Children's Hospital, Kuressaare Hospital
International: Universities of Helsinki (prof. M. Knip), Tampere (prof. H. Hyöty) ja Turku (prof. J. Ilonen, prof. R. Lahesmaa); University of Heidelberg (prof. T. Giese); Pennsylvania University (prof. P. Janmey); IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute (dr. V. Lampasona); European Autoimmunity Standardization Initiative (EASI team, Dr Jan Damoiseaux, Maastricht UMC); European B Cell Network (prof. H. Jäck, Erlangen).
Enterprices: Thermo Fisher Diagnostics, Immunotron OÜ, Icosagen OÜ.
In cooperation with Estonian medical insitutions we have collected various clinical data and biomaterial.