Therapeutic targeting of T-follicular cells in GvHD (B01)

• Subject Area: Immunology ; Hematology, Oncology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 324392634

T-follicular cells are central regulators of the immune system and express high levels of NFAT. Our previous work in mouse models showed that NFAT-deficient T cells retain GvL activity, while still protecting against acute GvHD. In the first funding period, we identified a NFAT-specific inhibitor molecule and developed a protocol for NFAT deletion by CRISPR/Cas9 prior to cell transfer. We are now evaluating the applicability in GvHD with regard to NFAT-dependent, -independent and -interfering signal networks for the differentiation and interaction of different T-follicular subpopulations. Work on patient samples will explore whether the NFAT T-follicular cell strategy is relevant for human GvHD.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 221: Modulation of graft-versus-host and graft-versus-leukemia immune responses after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
• Applicant Institution: Universität Regensburg
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Friederike Berberich-Siebelt; Privatdozentin Dr. Silvia Spörl