Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergology (RIA), Inselspital, University of Bern

In the Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, three research groups are investigating scientific questions in the areas of chronic inflammation, immunology, developmental biology and allergic dieases, with the goal of elaborating and understanding the molecular mechanisms of disease. Our research projects are supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and various private foundations.

Rheumatology:
Prof. Peter M. Villiger
Dr. Frauke Förger
Prof. Michael Seitz

peter.villiger@insel.ch; frauke.foerger@insel.ch; michael.seitz@insel.ch
www.rheumabern.ch/rheuma-immo-forsch.html

Topic: Pregnancy and autoimmune diseases
This research group studies basic and clinical questions of pregnancy and autoimmune diseases. Mechanisms of immunomodulation by human pregnancy in healthy women and in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are systematically analyzed. To this aim gene microarrays, functional and phenotypic characterization of T-cell subsets are performed before and during pregnancy and in the postpartal period as well.
For further information, mail to: frauke.foerger@insel.ch and to peter.villiger@insel.ch

Topic: Osteoclastogenesis in chronic inflammation
This research group is studying the role of osteoclastogenic cytokines in inflammatory bone loss. By means of therapeutic clinical intervention with monoclonal TNFa antibodies in disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), the rebalance of the disrupted equilibrium between bone formation and bone resorption is studied in terms of the regulation of osteoclast precursor cell (OCP) immunophenotype by FACS analysis and bone resorption on dentin wavers. In close collaboration with other research groups on the campus the anti-osteoclastogenic effect of anti-TNFa treatment in terms of apoptosis-induction and modification of cell trafficking in OCPs and in terms of OCP/T-cell and osteoblast/osteoclast interaction upon distinct cytokine milieus are studied both in humans and in mice.
For further information, mail to: michael.seitz@insel.ch

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