Role of inflammasome activation in lupus nephritis ((2)-P24)

• Subject Area: Nephrology
• Term: from 2013 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 36842431

The goal of this project is to elucidate the role of inflammasome activation in lupus nephritis that is mediated by e.g. immune complex deposition in the glomeruli, local IL-1¿ production and TLR activation causing glomerular sclerosis. Using the pristane-induced mouse model for SLE, we will determine if inflammasome activation in specific cell types and at specific disease steps is important. A novel and potent small molecule inhibitor of NLRP3 will be used to assess efficacy of a novel treatment approach in our preclinical model. We will also address the question if renal MDSC are important regulators in glomerular sclerosis and translational aspects will focus on the identification of novel biomarkers for the determination of inflammasome activation during lupus disease progression in mouse and human samples.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 57: Organ Fibrosis: From Mechanisms of Injury to Modulation of Disease
• Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Eicke Latz; Dr. Isis Ludwig-Portugall, until 12/2019