Molecular dissection of B cell tolerance checkpoints in humans

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Henner Morbach
• Subject Area: Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
• Term: from 2010 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 191042749

B cell differentiation and activation as well as the active process of tolerance induction are guided by B cell receptor (BCR) induced signals and therefore depend on functional signalling through the BCR complex. Disturbed or defective BCR signalling might impinge on B cell development and differentiation or result in defective B cell tolerance checkpoints. Several gene variants of components of the BCR complex are associated with autoimmune diseases. These gene variants might be functionally linked to defective B cell tolerance checkpoints and the development of an autoreactive immunglobulin repertoire. Hence, individuals with specific genetic variations in BCR components might serve as a "human model“ for the molecular dissection of B cell tolerance check points. The impact of such disease associated gene variants on BCR signalling and tolerance induction will be analyzed.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Eric Meffre, Ph.D.