Human immune systems are highly variable, even among healthy individuals. We have studied the contribution from heritable and non-heritable factors using a classical twin study approach and found that most of the variance in immune system components is explained by non-heritable factors. Our ongoing work is focused on the role of sex-hormones in modulating human immune systems in relation to changing needs over the life course as well as the adaptation of immunity in relation to metabolic status, exercise and other physiological trade-offs involving the immune system.

We seek to understand the mechanisms of immune-microbe interactions early in life by studying microbial metabolites and their role in this cross-talk, the mechanisms of microbial sensing and the types of immune responses elicited against commensal microbes in human children.

The first months after birth represent a particularly dynamic period during immune system development when immune cells encounter colonising microbes and food components, but also pathogens for the first time. The immune systems must allow the establishment of a symbiotic microbiome while simultaneously protecting from infections by pathogens.

We study immune-mediated diseases using systems immunology to better understand mechanisms of immune dysregulation and develop better therapies thereof.

To enable precision medicine for children with cancer and other conditions involving the immune system, careful monitoring of immune cells will be important. In a recent example, we have developed a system-level immunomonitoring methods for children of different ages and with different tumor types. This example suggest immunomonitoring as a valuable complement to tumor genetics in children with cancer.