Inflammasomes are intracellular proteins that sense cellular stress arising from pathogens or sterile damage. Inflammasomes are a crucial components of a functioning immune system, but their inappropriate activation underlies several autoimmune disorders, metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.

We are investigating the inflammasome protein NOD2—a sensor of bacterial cell wall components—and how it contributes to Crohn's disease and other inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD).

We use a combination of biochemistry, cell biology, functional genomics, and genetic mouse models. There is a rising incidence of IBD and these studies underpin our search for new therapies to treat this class of disease.