Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Acute inflammation is a protective reaction by the immune system in response to invading pathogens or tissue. If not resolved, acute inflammation can result in organ pathologies leading to chronic inflammatory phenotypes. Chronic inflammation is one of the main features of cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic syndromes and neurological diseases, which are major health issues and a significant economic burden in Canada. Treatments already on the market, such as statins and antihypertensives, help control risk factors for CVD and atherosclerosis by inhibiting the mechanisms responsible for inflammation. However, there is currently no treatment that stabilizes or reverses the already established plaques. This research program proposes an innovative therapeutic approach based on stimulating the resolution of inflammation by targeting the metabolism of a new super family of lipid mediators derived from omega-3 essential fatty acids, namely the specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). SPMs act in concert in a temporally and spatially manner to reestablish tissue homeostasis. The objective of this research program is therefore to shed light on the involvement of a novel family of SPMs, the 13-series resolvins (RvTs), in the resolution of inflammation to ultimately set the standard for the potential development of new treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases. Specific objectives of this research program will address which immune cell subtype are targeted by RvTs, the impact of RVTs on the activity of the targeted cells, and metabolic pathways that are involved. This research program will allow to expand investigation on RvTs resolving potential for chronic inflammation by exploring a larger spectrum of immune cells. These findings will lay foundation for the development of intervention to reduce and alleviate diseases associated with inflammation.