JDALLILAB

Our research is focused on understanding how the body remains healthy and controls inflammation

Every day, our body must repair itself and protect against bacterial and viral invasions. Inflammation plays a crucial role in both repairing damaged tissues and defending against microbial invaders. This process evolved over millennia to be highly coordinated and efficient. However, inflammation can sometimes lead to disease, and the causes of this undesirable outcome remain largely unknown in many contexts. In our laboratory, we aim to understand how the body regulates inflammation to ensure it remains protective. We also investigate the factors that contribute to disease in conditions marked by uncontrolled inflammation, using this knowledge to develop new therapies.

Our research focuses on a group of molecules derived from omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are also found in fish oils. These molecules, known as specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), are classified into four main families: resolvins, protectins, maresins, and lipoxins. SPMs are produced by the body to direct white blood cells to kill bacteria, clear dead cells, and repair damaged tissues. Recent studies, including our own, indicate that the production of these molecules is impaired in several diseases, such as sepsis (caused by uncontrolled infections), arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. Our current work seeks to understand how these molecules train the immune system to maintain health, how their production is regulated, and how they control white blood cells to limit inflammation, eliminate bacteria, and support tissue repair. We are also exploring how disruptions in the production or function of these molecules contribute to the onset and progression of disease. By gaining a deeper understanding of the biology of these molecules, we aim to develop safer and more effective treatments for inflammatory diseases.