Prof. Ronen Alon
Immunology and Regenerative Biology
Immune cells exit blood vessels near sites of inflammation using specific combinations of traffic signals. Using different in vivo microscopy approaches in genetically manipulated mice and chambers which simulate blood flow, we dissect how trafficking molecules promote leukocyte exit and which of these signals can also be used by circulating tumor cells during metastasis. We also investigate how specific adhesion molecules expressed by antigen presenting cells and the immune synapses promote immune cell differentiation and effector functions.
Field
Immunology and vascular biology
Research Focus
Mechanisms of leukocyte migration across distinct blood vessels during infections using genetically manipulated immune competent mice and state of the art imaging approaches. Imaging cancer cell crossing of blood vessels during metastatic processes.
Model Organism
Major Methods