The Warnatsch group studies the localisation and effects of neutrophil reactive oxygen species (ROS) during respiratory virus infections.

Neutrophils are innate immune cells that produce a powerful oxidative burst and play a crucial role in clearing infections. However, poor regulation of neutrophils and their ROS production causes tissue damage. For example, during severe respiratory virus infections such as with Influenza A virus or SARS-CoV-2 an excessive inflammatory neutrophil response is exacerbating pathology. We are investigating how neutrophil ROS signalling affects antiviral inflammation and virus clearance.