Infection and Immunology
J87: Stefan Uderhardt, Department of Medicine 3
Stromal Network Communication in the Regulation of Immune Homeostasis
Main Research: Immunology and Infection
Term: 01.01.2021 – 30.06.2023
I could previously identify resident tissue macrophages (RTM) as anti-inflammatory protectors of stromal integrity. The molecular mechanisms that regulate this tissue-protective function, however, are unknown. My preliminary work strongly suggests that within stromal tissues exist extensive, heterocellular communication networks. I hypothesize that functional network communication between stromal fibroblasts and RTM coordinate biological behavior of tissues and facilitate RTM functionality.
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| Principal Investigator Dr. Stefan Uderhardt phone: +49 9131 85-45487 e-mail: Stefan.Uderhardt@uk-erlangen.de |
J90: Darja Andreev, Department of Medicine 3
The impact of Eos on bone loss
Main Research: Immunology and Infection
Term: 01.01.2022 – 30.06.2024
A healthy skeleton relies on a balance between bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts. A shift towards increased osteoclast activity can therefore lead to bone loss. The immune system strongly affects osteoclast biology, usually promoting osteoclast development. Interestingly, we demonstrated that eosinophils negatively regulate osteoclast formation and activity. Thus, it is of high relevance to unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulatory function of eosinophils.
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| Principal Investigator Dr. Darja Andreev Phone: +49 9131 85-29291 Email: darja.andreev@uk-erlangen.de |
J91: Jean-Philippe Auger, Department of Medicine 3
Glucocorticoid-induced macrophage reprogramming
Main Research: Immunology and Infection
Term: 01.01.2022 – 30.06.2024
Glucocorticoids are amongst the most important anti-inflammatory drugs, promoting inflammatory resolution via the functional reprogramming of macrophages, a process that promotes itaconate production. Though itaconate is an metabolite participating in immune-metabolic rewiring, its role and effects, as with the underlying mechanisms involved in its production, on immunometabolism and inflammatory resolution remain unknown, yet could contribute to further optimizing glucocorticoid treatment.
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| Principal Investigator Dr. Jean-Philippe Auger Phone: 09131 85-39313 Email: Philippe.Auger@extern.uk-erlangen.de |