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Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

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COVID-19 Immunology

Professor Luke O’Neill

Professor, Chair of Biochemistry, Trinity Biomedical Biosciences Institute

  • Research Institute:

    • Trinity Translational Medicine Institute

  • Contact e-mail:
  • Contact number:
  • Thematic Area:

    • Therapeutics/ Vaccine Studies

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Research Profile:

The O’Neill lab works on the molecular basis to the inflammatory response. A key focus of the research group is on macrophage activation and its regulation in health and disease. Specific areas include the NLRP3 inflammasome, immunometabolism and inflammatory cytokines. The group are exploring the role of Krebs cycle-derived metabolites in the induction of inflammatory cytokines and how reprogramming can lead to an anti-inflammatory profile that will boost resolution of inflammation.

COVID-19 Project:

The O’Neill lab are exploring how the metabolite itaconate can regulate various aspects of COVID-19. This includes regulation of ACE2, the effect of the itaconate deriviative 4-OI in vivo, and anti-viral effects of itaconate on SARS-CoV-2 in lung epithelial cells. They are also exploring the inhibitory effect of itaconate on coagulation, a key feature of COVID-19, by examining the regulation of pyroptosis.