Impact of mast cell activation on T-helper polarization and adaptive immune responses in the skin (A07)

• Subject Area: Dermatology
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 246807620

The primary objective is to analyze the role of mast cells in shaping adaptive immune responses in the skin, in particular their influence on DC activation, T helper cell polarization, and regulatory T cell induction. The study is based on our novel strain of Kit-independent mast cell-deficient 'Cre-Master' mice that is superior in the specific elimination of mast cells compared to other transgenic models. Combining antigen-specific immunization with TLR- and/or FceRI-stimulation shall elucidate mechanisms by which mast cells could enhance adaptive immune responses or modulate T cell polarization. In addition, we investigate the immune suppressive potential of mast cells in a skin transplantation model.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 156: The skin as sensor and effector orchestrating local and systemic immunity
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Co-Applicant Institution: Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)
• Project Heads: Dr. Thorsten Feyerabend; Professor Dr. Hans-Reimer Rodewald