The role of the surface receptors IgA and EpCAM in plasma cell differentiation and maintenance (09)

• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2013 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 215346292

The long-term goal of project 09 is to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern the generation and the persistence of antibody-secreting plasma cells. In the first two funding periods, we identified the microRNA miR-148a as a fine-tuner of differentiation and maintenance of long-lived CD19-negative plasma cells by controlling their metabolism and retention in the bone marrow niche. Analysis of target genes of miR-148a identified Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) as a new surface molecule on plasma cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) is an essential regulator of IgA-producing plasma cells. Thus, in the 3rd funding period, we will determine whether surface IgA and EpCAM are required for differentiation and maintenance of plasma cells.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 130: B Cells: Immunity and Autoimmunity
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Hans-Martin Jäck; Privatdozent Dr. Wolfgang Schuh