GRK 2168:  Myeloid antigen presenting cells and the induction of adaptive immunity

• Subject Area: Microbiology, Virology and Immunology
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 272482170

Myeloid antigen presenting cells (APCs), i.e. dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, are keyinducers and regulators of adaptive immune responses. They are essential in immunity to infectionand vaccination but can also drive inappropriate immune responses that cause inflammatorydisorders. However, many aspects of myeloid APC functions still remain poorly understood. Increasingthe understanding of their function is therefore a current key topic in immunology. Themembers of this IRTG initiative have considerably advanced our knowledge of these cells andthe adaptive immune processes they induce and regulate. Immunology is an internationally visibleand strong research focus both in Bonn and Melbourne. Graduate students were centrally involvedin many immunological discoveries, as evident by first and co-authorships in leading researchjournals, some of which resulted from previous student exchanges between these twolocations. This IRTG proposal aims at a seamless continuation and expansion of these activitiesthrough the development of a joint PhD programme between Bonn and Melbourne, in which studentswork with eminent scientists at both locations. Areas of core expertise in Bonn include therole of local APCs in disease models, immune pattern sensing and transcriptional immune regulation.Melbourne is internationally recognized for excellence in research on T cells, NKT cells,DC subsets and for studying microbial infections. These areas are highly synergistic and, whencombined, allow for much deeper scope and quality of research. The scientific exchange betweenMelbourne and Bonn will not only substantially improve research quality, but will create a highlyconducive environment for the training of students. A typical PhD candidature will cover 3 years(2 years at home, 1 year abroad) and will be embedded in a coordinated training programme withsupervisors at both locations. Students will be selected based on the quality of their applicationand achievements. PhD students that successfully complete this international programme will behighly competitive for international academic careers in both countries and industry.

• DFG Programme: International Research Training Groups
• International Connection: Australia
• Applicant Institution: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
• IRTG-Partner Institution: The University of Melbourne
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Christian Kurts
• Participating Researchers: Professorin Dr. Zeinab Abdullah; Professor Dr. Tobias Bald, since 1/2021; Professorin Dr. Eva Bartok; Privatdozent Dr. Marc Beyer; Professorin Dr. Irmgard Förster; Professor Dr. Natalio Garbi; Professor Dr. Michael Hölzel; Professor Dr. Waldemar Kolanus; Professorin Dr. Stefanie Kürten, since 6/2021; Professor Dr. Eicke Latz; Professor Dr. Martin Schlee, since 1/2022; Professor Dr. Florian Ingo Schmidt; Dr. Susanne Schmidt; Professor Dr. Joachim L. Schultze; Professor Christoph Wilhelm, Ph.D.
• IRTG-Partner: Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Sammy Bedoui