Her award-winning study investigates the role of the receptor TREM2, which is highly expressed on foam cells – the characteristic cells of atherosclerotic plaques. The work shows that TREM2 helps to limit necrotic core formation by regulating the survival and clearance of dying cells within plaques. Using both genetic models and an agonistic antibody, the findings highlight the therapeutic potential of targeted TREM2 activation. Furthermore, a clinical study demonstrated that soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) may serve as a biomarker for plaque progression in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis.
The Helmut Sinzinger Prize is awarded annually for outstanding scientific contributions in the field of lipid metabolism disorders, atherosclerotic diseases, and their latest diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.