Targeting the reciprocal interaction of GvHD and atherosclerosis after allogeneic HSCT (B11)

Patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. To address the interconnection between GvHD and atherosclerosis, we established a GvHD-atherosclerosis mouse model and could show an increased atherosclerotic lesion formation in the aorta after allo-HSCT. The endothelium is the first contact for immunological effector cells and a key regulator of inflammatory processes. We will now further explore endothelial cell reorganization in GvHD target organs, test the function VEGFR1/2 in vascular remodeling and target organ damage in GvHD, and investigate endothelial cells as potential initiators of the alloreactive T cell response after allo-HSCT.

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 Professor Dr. Andreas Beilhack; Professorin Dr. Alma Zernecke-Madsen