Cellular and molecular responses to trauma-induced damage of the distal respiratory epithelium (A05)

• Subject Area: Anatomy and Physiology ; Pharmacology
• Term: since 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 251293561

A substantial proportion of patients who survive the acute phase of ARDS develop progressive and fatal pulmonary fibrosis. This is a result of impaired resolution of lung injury in the late, fibroproliferative phase of acute lung injury (ALI)/ARDS. Immune cells, in particular macrophage recruitment and polarization, appear to play a crucial role in the underlying pathomechanisms. M2 polarization contributes to excessive fibrotic remodeling. Within our project we have developed in vitro models of the alveolus and cell type-selective, novel inhibitors to down-modulate macrophage migration and differentiation. We will use these to determine whether targeted pharmacological inhibition of monocyte immigration and modulation of macrophage differentiation ameliorate fibrotic remodeling during repair of the alveolus after trauma.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1149: Danger Response, Disturbance Factors and Regenerative Potential after Acute Trauma
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Holger Barth; Professor Dr. Manfred Frick