About us

The internal surface of the gastrointestinal tract by far resembles the biggest interface of the organism with the environment. Through this interface the body deals with an enormous diversity of bacteria of the intestinal flora as well as nutritional antigens. The gastrointestinal tract thus fulfils a crucial barrier-function to prevent the body from the potential invasion of pathogens and contaminants.

The central goal of the special research field 633 is the analysis of the activation and differentiation of T cells of the gastrointestinal mucosa that finally determines the quality of the immune response. The results are supposed to obtain possibilities to enhance protective mechanisms and to ameliorate chronic inflammation. Consequently, the results are planned to be directly assigned to the clinical practice. To achieve this goal special research field comprises teams from the basic and clinical research.

The special research field is divided in two project divisions:

The central focus of the project division A “topography and induction of the immune response in the gut” are the conditions that determine effector functions of T cells. The methodic access to this question comprises the analysis of molecular switches in T cells beyond in vitro models up to human trials.

The projects of the division B “regulation and modulation of the intestinal immunity” deal about factors that influence the targeted migration of immune cells to the mucosa and retain chronically inflammation. The direct appliance to the clinical practice is verified in selected examples. These examples comprise the Helicobacter pylori infection, the graft-versus-host disease of the intestinal mucosa, Whipple’s disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

The Z-projects engage a central role in the special research field. They display methodical platforms supporting other sub-projects in their intends. Here, the focus is set on specific immunohistological techniques as well as the multi-parametric flow cytometric analysis.

The conclusion of basic research and clinically oriented research teams is aimed to enhance the translocation from bench to bedside and to enable the development of innovative therapies for inflammatory bowel disease and immune-mediated diseases with other organ manifestations.