Characterizing P2Y: Receptor Activity as a Therapeutic Target in Respiratory Infection leading to Systematic Inflammation and Sepsis

We have identified that the platelet P2Y receptor is necessary for important inflammatory processes that occur in both non-allergic and allergic pulmonary inflammation, a phenomenon that is very different to P2Y mediated platelet activity leading to aggregation. The aim of this project is to characterize P2Y signalling and activation of platelets and profile the suitability of P2Y as a therapeutic target during inflammation and infection, using murine models, in vitro functional assays and access to blood samples of critically patients with inflammation arising from sepsis and Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).