Role of EGF-like growth factors in immune regulation and tissue homeostasis during Graft versus Host (GvH) Disease (B14#)

• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 324392634

Our research has revealed that signaling via the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) critically contributes to local immune regulation and in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis under inflammatory conditions. Several different findings have indicated that two EGF-like growth factors, Amphiregulin and HB-EGF, substantially influence the development and progression of Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD). In this project, we want to dissect the role these two EGF-like growth factors play during the different stages of GvHD and determine how we therapeutically can use this knowledge to ameliorate or prevent GvHD progression.

• 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 Head: Professor Dr. Dietmar M.W. Zaiß