The biliary mucosal interface in hepatic immune regulation (B03)

• Subject Area: Gastroenterology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 530990199

Cholangiocytes are the lining cells of bile ducts forming the biliary epithelial barrier. Ductal bile is rich in lipid metabolites and harbours a diverse microbial composition. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive immune mediated bile duct disease that lacks effective therapy. We will build on our previous research on PSC and use this disease as an example to decipher how bile duct luminal factors influence the state of cholangiocytes and how these transmit signals from the bile duct luminal environment to hepatic immune cells. The results of this project will improve our understanding of PSC pathogenesis and more broadly, how the liver regulates immune responses in and around bile ducts.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1700: Immune regulation in the liver: from homeostasis to disease
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Christoph Schramm