Role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in post-traumatic and post-septic immune regulation (Strauß (A07)

• Subject Area: Immunology ; Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Reconstructive Surgery
• Term: since 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 251293561

We could show that adoptive transfer of in vitro generated myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) improved the post-traumatic cellular immune response in lung injury and sepsis. MDSC treatment counterbalanced post-traumatic immuno-suppression because injured mice exhibited increased survival rates and improved T cell expansion and reactivity. Furthermore, MDSCs reversed the anergic post-traumatic state of T cells and restored antigen-specific T cell reactivity. Therefore, A07 aims to identify the molecular mechanisms of MDSC-mediated immuno-activation using MDSCs or MDSC-derived exosomes. We further expect that MDSC treatment dampens the severity of clinically relevant post-traumatic infections and also restores post-traumatic as well as septic T cell responses in humans.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1149: Danger Response, Disturbance Factors and Regenerative Potential after Acute Trauma
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Gudrun Strauß