Investigating the mechanisms of thromboinflammation induced by infection

Thrombosis is estimated to contribute to 25% of deaths worldwide, yet our understanding of the mechanisms behind thrombus formation and related inflammation remain poor. This so-called thromboinflammation can occur as a result of severe infection, for example in sepsis and severe COVID-19. We aim to probe the lifecycle of the thrombus, and understand why it differs between different organs. To do this, we will use the well-established mouse models of Salmonella infection to study the composition of thrombi in different organs. We also aim to investigate the response of human platelets (the main component of many thrombi) to different strains of Salmonella, allowing identification of host and bacterial-specific factors that are affecting the thrombotic response after infection. This research will help further our understanding of the mechanisms behind the dysregulated inflammatory processes that occur upon infection, including during COVID-19, that can lead to fatal consequences.