Molecular mechanism of dendritic cell semimaturation and role in maintenance of intestinal homeostasis

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Julia-Stefanie Frick
• Subject Area: Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens
• Term: from 2010 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 190434939

In previous work we described a DC phenotype which is induced upon contact of DC to B. vulgatus and which might support the prevention of inflammatory disorders of the intestine. The aim of this study is to characterize and define this semimature DC at the molecular and functional level in vitro and define host signalling pathways that are involved in the induction of semimature tolerogenic DC. By means of preclinical mouse models we will investigate whether and how different host factors (e.g. IRAK M, IκBζ, CatS etc.) may contribute to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis or attenuate inflammatory bowel disease. The project ought to provide a basis as to whether commensal bacteria may influence the host intestinal immune system and might prevent or induce inflammatory intestinal diseases.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants