Structure and Mechanism of Proteins in Immunology and Blood Coagulation

Proteolysis represents a ubiquitous and irreversible modification of proteins.  The irreversibility of protease action requires diverse and delicately balanced control mechanisms.  Failure of these regulation mechanisms often implies disastrous consequences.  Of particular interest, molecular imbalances may lead to allergic reactions of the immune system.  We study these processes by employing a methodological spectrum spanning molecular biology, biochemistry, enzymology, and biophysics.  The combination of these techniques allows us to understand the molecular machines on the basis of their crystal structure.  The resulting structure-function-relationship paves the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in so far unmet disease areas.