Chronification of pain – Neuroimmunology of pain
Chronic pain, Immunotherapy, Neuroimmune
Research aim
Our research groups integrate fundamental research and clinical pain studies to understand the neurobiology of chronic pain. We focus on the interactions between the immune system and the nervous system to defeat chronic pain.
About us
Chronic pain is a complex and debilitating condition that affects ~20% of the population and is difficult to treat. Pain is caused by various underlying causes, e.g. tissue injury or inflammation. However, in a substantial proportion of patients this pain persists even whilst tissue damage or inflammation has healed. It is this chronic pain that has become a distinct disorder.
To identify potential novel chronic pain treatments we need deeper understanding of the mechanisms that drive chronic pain. Our research groups work closely together and are interested in the neurobiology of chronic pain with the ultimate goal to defeat chronic pain conditions. Through our groups we combine fundamental, translational, and clinical research to understand the mechanisms of why pain becomes chronic. We focus on interactions between the immune system and the sensory nervous system. By understanding which neuro-immune interactions are important contributors to chronic pain development, we aim to develop highly needed innovative curative treatments. In addition, with these insights we endeavor to identify predictors of the development of chronic pain in patients with nerve injury, chronic inflammation, post-surgery, and osteoarthritis.