Professor Abdelilah Soussi Gounni

Country: Canada

Institution: University of Manitoba

Research Areas: Innate immunity, Airway inflammation, Semaphorins,  Leukocyte and Structural cells

Lab Website: http://gounni-lab.org

Asthma and COPD have a major impact in terms of human suffering and loss of productivity. Understanding the behaviour and regulation of the major factors contributing to disease progression, at the molecular level, is critical in designing effective treatments.

My laboratory research program is focused on defining  the molecular mechanisms of inflammation and remodeling in chronic airway diseases. In particular, we are aiming at deciphering the role of Semaphorin3E and its receptor PlexinD1 in modulating innate and structural cells function in allergic asthma. This project uses both human specimens and genetically modified mouse system (cell specific transgenic and knockout). Our studies will expand our understanding of the endogenous protective mechanisms that are lacking in asthma particularly within the local environment.

We are a leading laboratory in defining the role of Sema3E in allergic asthma and we are welcoming talented students to join this endeavor.