Project Details
Immune Cytokines in the Regulation of Neuronal Homeostasis (C01 [B06])
Subject Area
Clinical Neurology; Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology
Experimental Models for the Understanding of Nervous System Diseases
Experimental Models for the Understanding of Nervous System Diseases
Term
from 2017 to 2024
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 221828878
We are focusing on the direct roles of major T cell-derived cytokines in the central nervous system (CNS). As we have shown that interleukin (IL)-4 receptors are present in a subset of cortical and hippocampal neurons, and that IL-4 treatment regulates the axonal cytoskeleton, we will now further characterize IL-4R synaptic partners and downstream targets, as well as its functions in synaptic vesicle cycling and transmission. A possible mediation by microglia will also be addressed, and the therapeutic effect of IL-4 treatment on hyperexcitability will be investigated in anxiety mouse models and also after traumatic brain injury (TBI).
DFG Programme
Collaborative Research Centres
Applicant Institution
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
Project Heads
Professor Dr. Jonathan Kipnis, until 12/2020; Dr. Christina Francisca Vogelaar, Ph.D., since 1/2021; Professorin Dr. Frauke Zipp