Rikard Holmdahl research group
We study the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying complex autoimmune diseases. Our goal is to develop new diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies to prevent and treat chronic inflammation.
Autoimmune disease mechanisms and therapies
Rikard Holmdahl’s research is dedicated to uncovering the genetic and molecular mechanisms that drive autoimmune diseases, with a particular focus on arthritis. His work aims to identify critical genes and pathways that regulate immune tolerance and inflammation, ultimately paving the way for targeted therapies against chronic autoimmune conditions.
A major achievement from Holmdahl’s group was the identification of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the Ncf1 gene, which revealed how oxidative burst defects can promote autoimmune disease. His laboratory continues to explore the role of redox regulation, innate immunity, and tissue-specific factors in the development of autoimmunity.
Current research projects in the Holmdahl lab include developing new diagnostic tools (such as JointID for early detection of rheumatoid arthritis), engineering vaccines to prevent and treat autoimmune diseases by inducing regulatory T cells, and investigating the function of Ncf1 in immune regulation and disease susceptibility. His team is also working to establish new models for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis based on environmental triggers, aiming to improve diagnostics and therapies. These projects combine genetic engineering, biomarker discovery, and translational research, with the goal of redefining autoimmune disease treatment at its roots.
By combining mechanistic studies with translational approaches, Holmdahl’s team contributes to redefining how autoimmune diseases are understood and treated.