Terje Espevik

Terje Espevik is a Professor and Director of the Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), a Centre of Excellence at NTNU. His research focuses on the interplay between the complement system, inflammasomes, and Toll-like receptors in inflammatory diseases, with an emphasis on microbial and cholesterol crystal-induced signaling. He leads CEMIR, which integrates molecular mechanisms of inflammation with translational research.

Research interests include innate immunity, sterile inflammation in atherosclerosis, and therapeutic strategies targeting complement and inflammasome pathways. His work has demonstrated that cholesterol crystals activate complement pathways, leading to inflammatory responses in cardiovascular diseases. Key findings include the role of cyclodextrin in modulating cholesterol crystal-induced inflammation and the development of anti-inflammatory peptides derived from SLAMF1.

Publications highlight his contributions to understanding TLR signaling pathways, thromboinflammation, and the synergistic effects of dual inhibition of complement C5 and CD14. His research spans from basic molecular mechanisms to translational applications in sepsis, transplantation, and infectious diseases. CEMIR serves as a collaborative platform for interdisciplinary projects in molecular inflammation.

He has directed major research initiatives and authored/co-authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications since 2015. Current projects include investigating novel peptide therapies and exploring the role of mitochondrial C5aR1 in sterile inflammation.