Metabolic regulation of NK cells during metaflammation (P23*)

• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 432325352

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes residing in different organs including the liver and the adipose tissue, where they acquire distinct phenotypic, metabolic, and functional features to maintain tissue homeostasis. During obesity, NK cells are reduced in frequency and functionally impaired. We aim to elucidate the obesity-related factors and metabolites driving NK cells into dysfunction. Our preliminary results suggest a key role for lipid metabolism in shaping NK cell biology. Thus, we will focus on NK metabolism during obesity and its comorbidities, e.g., the susceptibility to viral infections and cancer.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1454: Metaflammation and Cellular Programming
• Applicant Institution: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
• Project Head: Laura Surace, Ph.D.