The Warnatsch Lab investigates how neutrophils shape immune responses during respiratory virus infections, air pollution exposure and cancer.

Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells and essential first responders to infection. They deploy potent antimicrobial mechanisms such as phagocytosis, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), web-like structures of DNA coated with histones and antimicrobial proteins. While these responses are vital for pathogen clearance, their dysregulation can cause tissue damage and drive chronic inflammation.

Our research combines in vivo models, live-cell and high-throughput imaging, and spatial ‘omics technologies to uncover how neutrophil effector functions are controlled in health and disease. Ultimately, we aim to identify strategies to fine-tune neutrophil responses to protect tissue integrity and improve outcomes in infection, inflammation and cancer.