The overall objective of this project is to study molecular mechanisms and develop new treatment options for certain kidney diseases. Starting from different kidney diseases, basic mechanisms leading to kidney failure are studied. The project focuses on specific infections and immunological conditions that affect blood cells and kidney cells leading to inflammation and blood clot formation. Activation of the body's various protein systems on cells is studied to define which bacterial and host factors lead to disease. In addition, how certain gene alterations contribute to disease is studied. The kidney diseases being studied are caused by infection, inflammation and/or immunological responses. - We study small membrane particles released from blood cells and their implications for the spread of infection and inflammation, and how blocking these membrane particles can affect the course and development of kidney disease. - We have found a novel mechanism of kidney tissue damage and blocked it in patients with attenuating effect on kidney inflammation. - We define new molecular mechanisms and gene mutations in kidney diseases and study how these trigger kidney damage. By defining which factors contribute to disease development at the cellular level, in animal models and in patients, these studies can lead to the development of specific treatments, which are lacking today. These new treatments are aimed at blocking the spread of infection and activating inflammation.