Louise Marie Dalskov Kjerulff

Detailed knowledge of immune system pathways

According to Louise Marie Dalskov Kjerulff, who holds a PhD in molecular biology, the immune system is the most complex system in the human body. Scientists are still unable to account for all of its mechanisms. But Louise Marie Dalskov Kjerulff’s basic research has increased our understanding of how the body recognises infections and how this leads to a targeted immune system response.

“I studied specific mechanistic aspects of some of the proteins in the immune system. How do they pass on the signal resulting in the production of interferon molecules? Because without them, there is no way to warn the surrounding cells of the infection and ultimately start the production of antibodies,” explains Louise Marie Dalskov Kjerulff.

Having provided significant new knowledge about these pathways, she managed to establish an innovative clinical trial protocol together with Aarhus University Hospital.

“It describes ways to purify primary immune cells directly from the patient and subsequently treat them to make sure they survive and may be used for research purposes,” she says.

Her research team used the protocol to describe corona virus’ interaction with the immune system of the lungs. However, to molecular biologists, the protocol is widely applicable, as it may help answer a range of questions.

After completing her PhD project, Louise Marie Dalskov Kjerulff briefly held a position as a postdoctoral fellow before exchanging research for communication as a member of staff at the AU Public Natural Science Lectures.