Innate immunity refers to the initial general defenses mounted by an individual against pathogens and hostile microorganisms. Innate immune reactions are generally nonspecific and are fast. As the Epithelia is the first barrier between the individuals and the outside environment, it plays a key role in mediating innate immune system reactions and function. Skin and the female reproductive system are good examples of organs in constant contact with the outside world, rich in epithelia and being the main hubs of the innate immune system.
In our daily life, we encounter billions of pathogens and non-pathogenic microorganisms and substances. It is our innate immune system that in a short period of time decides to mount a reaction against a non-self-entity or not. On the other hand, even mounting too much of a reaction towards non-pathogenic entities can result in creating an allergy or if it is mounted against self-entities, can result in autoimmune disorders. Hence, in health and disease, the innate immune system is responsible for maintaining a balance between defensive reaction towards hostile entities and tolerating non-pathogenic and self-entities.
The TransGeno ERA chair lab researches how innate immune system is working in the skin and reproductive organs in a bid to find new diagnostic tests as well as therapies for both skin diseases such as Psoriasis or reproductive disorders such as infertility.