The role of RANK/RANKL signaling for skin homeostasis and barrier function during anti-microbial immune responses (B07)

• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2012 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 194468054

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infection. We have shown that during cutaneous S. aureus infection signaling through the receptor activator of NF B (RANK) and its ligand RANKL controls the induction of immunosuppressive cells like Treg and eosinophilic MDSC resulting in an increased skin lesion size and an impaired epithelial barrier integrity. Now we will analyze the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying RANK/RANKL-induced immunosuppression and investigate whether this signaling pathway might affect barrier integrity in different organs or in response to different external factors.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1009: Breaking Barriers - Immune Cells and Pathogens at Cell/Matrix Barriers
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Karin Loser