Natural (nTreg) and induced (iTreg) regulatory T cells play a crucial role in the suppression of mucosal immune responses. Although adoptive transfer of these cells has been successfully used for blockade of experimental colitis in vivo, their usage for treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) remains poorly studied. In the present project, we aim at the further characterization of peripheral and mucosal Treg cells in IBD patients. In particular, we wish to analyze the expression and function of integrins and homing receptors such as alpha4/beta7 and GPR15 on these cells In Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and to study their homing capacities to the gut under in vivo conditions. Moreover, we will study the presence of Treg cells in the mucosa of IBD patients upon anti-alpha4/beta7 antibody therapy. In the second part of the project, we will finalize our previously established protocol for large scale expansion of peripheral Treg cells from patients with UC. After approval by the regulatory authorities, a phase I dose-escalation clinical trial for adoptive transfer of Treg cells In UC patients will be initiated. These studies will provide a novel cell-based approach for therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases.
DFG Programme
Clinical Research Units
