Arylhydrocarbon receptor dependent homeostasis and function of skin gamma-delta T cells

Immunocompetence and -surveillance is vital for the barrier function of the skin. The skin comes in contact with pathogens, xenobiotic and natural chemicals, or is damaged by UV-irradiation, and has to orchestrate a response against these insults. Chemicals can stimulate or suppress immunity in the skin, and become antigens themselves. We here want to analyse the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, both as a mediator of response to chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and as a physiological signalling pathway involved in cell homeostasis and differentiation. In particular, this project will elucidate the role of AhR for function and proliferation of dendritic epidermal T cells, an innate immune cells population in the skin, which is pivotal for immune surveillance.

DFG Programme Research Grants