Welcome to the Research Group Vascular Infection

Malaria is one of the most common causes of death among children worldwide and represents a huge health and socioeconomic burden. Our research group “Vascular Infection” is conducting research into the disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. We aim to understand how malaria parasites invade red blood cells and clog blood vessels, leading to severe complications in the brain, placenta, and other vital organs. To this end, we investigate three distinct aspects. We examine the mechanical forces at play during parasite invasion and adhesion to blood vessels. Furthermore, we analyze the genetic adaptations that help protect humans against malaria. We also study the influence of host factors such as fever and specific tissue environments. To do so, we develop physiologically relevant in vitro vascular models used to understand malaria mechanisms of infection in a control setting.

Our ultimate goal is to translate our findings into medical applications, to treat malaria and other vascular diseases, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.