The role of the transcription factor NFATc in allergic asthma
The family of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) transcription factors is essentially needed for the regulation of the early transcription of TCR mediated Signals in lymphocytes. The calcium regulating members of the NFAT family (NFATc1, NFATc2 and NFATc3) are found on different Th-cell subtypes like Th2- or Th17-cells. NFATs cooperate with other factors and play a central role in the induction of different genes, which are involved in the immune response to antigens. We want to investigate the function of NFATc1 in T-cells in allergic asthma closer, because Th2 immune responses, which are characterized by IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 production, are associated with inflammatory diseases like asthma and allergies.
Responsible: Zuqin Yang
The role of Rantes and its receptors in asthma bronchiale
In this project (IZKF Project A82: Understanding the role of Regulated on Activation, Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES) in the resolution of allergic asthma) the role of Rantes in allergic asthma is investigated in murine models and human asthma cohorts. Rantes is a chemokine which is ligand of different receptors like CCR5 and CCR3. It is produced by activated T-cells and can attract different inflammatory cells by binding to its receptors. We found a lack of inflammatory eosinophils during asthma in CCR3 deficient mice, which also secrete less IL-5 and IgE in the lung and in serum, respectively. The role of these receptors and their ligands in asthma remains unclear and thus is under further investigations in this project.
Responsible: Susanne Krammer
Further Projects:
- The role of interferons in rhinovirus infections and asthma bronchiale (Hannah Mitländer)
- The role of vitamin D for the immune system in asthma bronchiale (Janina Grund)
