My major interest is the immune response in cardiovascular diseases. Current research activities address the study and imaging of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cardiovascular comorbidity in chronic inflammatory diseases and infection.

Immune responses play a key role in cardiovascular diseases. We have developed techniques to track antigen-presenting cells and antigen presentation in the development of vascular immune response (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2012; Circulation 2014; Cardiovasc Res. 2020). We have been amongst the first to apply multiphoton microscopy in experimental atherosclerosis (Circulation 2007) and stroke (Stroke 2011) with the aim to define the kinetics and anatomical location of the T cell-antigen presenting cell interactions that underlie vascular immune response in real-time in vivo (Immunity 2015). We have developed surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for multiplexing molecular imaging of vascular inflammation (Theranostics 2018). The ultimate goal is to develop new modalities for imaging vascular inflammation and deliver immuno-modulatory treatments directly to the vessel wall (ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2020).

Similarly, I am contributing to the elucidation of immune mechanisms in hypertension (Circ Res. 2020; Circulation 2020; Nat Genet. 2021).