Analysis of the dynamics of the cellular immune response during abscess formation by intravital two-photon-microscopy

• Applicant: Dr. Jan Liese
• Subject Area: Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens
• Term: from 2009 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 132914937

Staphylococcus (S.) aureus is a common cause of skin and soft tissue as well as inner organ infections. After an infection with this pathogen the immune response typically involves the formation of an abscess, which limits the spread of bacteria within the tissue. The inner cavity of the abscess is filled with neutrophilic granulocytes, whereas the abscess wall is composed of macrophages and T lymphocytes, which were described to produce interleukin-17. These so-called Th17 cells were recently established as a separate lineage of T helper cells. They play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and infectious diseases, but their role during abscess formation is completely unknown. Moreover, the cellular mechanisms during abscess development in vivo were investigated until now only by obtaining sequential "static" images. The aim of this project is to establish a mouse model of abscess formation after S. aureus infection, in which acquisition of dynamic views of cell migration patterns in vivo can be utilized to probe basic immunological mechanisms. This experimental system will be used to test the hypothesis that Th17 cells are required for coordinated abscess formation. Transgenic and knockout mouse strains will be employed to elucidate the origin and fate as well as the activation and cellular interactions of Th17 cells.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Dan Littmann
• Host: Professor Michael L. Dustin, Ph.D.