Endogenous dsRNA in intestinal inflammation

• Applicant: Dr. Daniel Böhmer
• Subject Area: Gastroenterology ; Immunology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 515356385

Endogenous double-stranded (ds) RNA has emerged as an important danger-associated molecular pattern leading to induction of interferons. Interferons are indispensable for antiviral defense and are moreover critically involved in autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases. Type-III interferons are important regulators of intestinal inflammation and tissue restitution. The aim of this proposal is to identify and characterize dsRNA species accumulating upon tissue damage in intestinal epithelial cells, which leads to induction of type-III interferons and cell death. In a complementary approach I aim to identify guard proteins, which limit cytosolic dsRNA formation and thereby interferon production in intestinal epithelial cells. Together these approaches could help identify novel pathogenic mechanisms and treatment approaches in IBD.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Dr. Ivan Zanoni