Mimicking collagen as a scavenger of oxidative stress in the immune response

We have recently uncovered collagen  to act as radical scavenger (Zapp, Nat Comm 2020; ERC CoG RADICOL). Collagen is the major building block of tissues, in fact the most abundant protein of our body. The built-in function of our tissues to buffer oxidative stress, as occurring among others upon infection, is absolutely critical. Its failure can lead to redox-related diseases, such as inflammation, pain, and cancer.

We will harness this knowledge to uncover molecular mechanisms and develop therapies that combat oxidative stress. Such therapies aim at mimicking collagen’s built-in radical scavenging capacity, in form of small molecules and/or synthetic biocompatible materials. We will make use of mouse models for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to better understand collagen’s role as antioxidant and develop such therapies. The project will unravel new radical-mediated mechanisms of immunopathology and new ways to interfere with them.