Alaa Terkawi

My vision on research is driven by the concept that researchers should aid in addressing challenges and health problems in our society. Our immune system plays a central role in the human health and well-being via the ability to destroy a broad range of invading microbes and to eliminate toxic or allergenic substances. In addition, non-infectious substances that are perceived harmless can be recognized by immune system as invaders and can trigger an inflammatory response associated with harmful reaction in the tissues. This may cause serious complications in patients after organ transplantation, implantation or blood transfusion. Aseptic loosening of joint implants is one of the most common postoperative complications in artificial joint surgery due to inflammatory response. The particulate wear debris generated by motion at the bearing surfaces of implant and bone trigger a local inflammatory response coincident with loosening of implants. However, detailed mechanisms of inflammation and osteolytic events leading to joint failure are not yet understood. The objective of my research is to clarify the cellular function of immune cells in loosening of joint implants.