Yuning Lu

I am interested in how cytokines induce splenic monocytes to differentiate to splenic red pulp macrophages(RPM), which contribute to red blood cell homeostasis by phagocytosing senescent erythrocytes and releasing heme-associated iron for recycling during erythropoiesis. I have identified that IL-33 and IL-1 family cytokines, signalling via there receptors in co-operation with heme leads to changes in GATA transcription factor activity that promotes the differentiation of Monocyte to mature RPM.

I am also interested in the role of the adaptive immune system in atherosclerosis, such as immune cells migration ex-vivo and in vivo using multi-photon microscopy.

Other Collaborators

• Professor Chris Rudd – University of Montreal, Canada
• Professor Padraic Fallon – Trinity College Dublin, Ireland