Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA / Wegener`s) is a rare disease characterized by chronic granulomatous inflammation and autoimmune vasculitis. Preliminary data suggest that high mobility box 1 protein (HMGB1) represents a potential link between the two pathological hallmarks of GPA, necrosis and inflammation. Serum HMGB1 levels correlate with disease activity in GPA. In this PhD project, molecular and cellular mechanisms inducing HMGB1 secretion and HMGB1-mediated effects such as cytokine production will be examined, employing several different methods (for instance real-time PCR, flow cytometry and tissue staining techniques). Effects of blocking HMGB1 release will be studied in vivo in a granuloma transfer model together with a collaborating research group to evaluate the therapeutic potential of HMGB1-inhibition in the treatment of GPA.

Anja Kerstein graduated in 03/2015 and now  works as a PostDoc in the Department of  Rheumatology at the University of Lübeck.