Thomas Lavstsen
Professor
Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Biography
At the Discovery Group at the Center for Medical Parasitology, we study molecular aspects of the host-parasite interaction in malaria infections. Our research aims to uncover new knowledge about malaria pathogenesis and develop improved treatments and vaccines.
We focus on the molecular interaction between the malaria parasite's PfEMP1 proteins and human blood vessel receptors. This interaction plays a key role in malaria pathogenesis and immunity. We are working to create a PfEMP1-based vaccine to prevent severe malaria in children.
In malaria-endemic regions, severe malaria leads to significant child mortality due to Plasmodium falciparum parasites binding in large numbers to blood vessels. This is mediated by PfEMP1 proteins, which anchor infected red blood cells to blood vessel receptors, helping the parasites avoid clearance by the spleen.
