von Gunten Group

Our laboratory is interested in molecular mechanisms that control inflammation and cancer. In particular, we focus on protein-carbohydrate interactions in the immune system and on anti-inflammatory effects mediated by Siglec receptors. Siglecs are carbohydrate-binding receptors (lectins) that have recently received particular attention in light of the capacity to mediate cell death, anti-proliferative effects, and inhibition of cellular activities. We recently identified natural autoantibodies within human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as endogenous Siglec receptor ligands. The group leader Dr. S. von Gunten is a participating investigator at the Consortium of Functional Glycomics (www.functionalglycomics.org), funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), that aims at defining paradigms by which protein-carbohydrate interactions mediate cell communication. Our group has collaborations with scientists and clinicians from many international and local academic institutions, companies and hospitals.