Microbe and host RNA-mediated immune activation in the skin (B05)

• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: since 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 246807620

Project B05 studies the impact of host and microbial RNA as a trigger of skin immunity. Previously, we showed that the host antimicrobial peptide LL37 converts RNA into a TLR8 agonist of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), driving the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The latter contain NET-associated RNA (naRNA) which amplifies skin inflammation. We will now further explore the role of naRNA in psoriasis skin pathology, autoimmunity and RNA-mediated self-amplification of inflammation. In this context, with the microbiological expertise of the new PI Dalpke, we will also study the contribution of skin commensal bacterial RNA as well as the role of the antimicrobial peptide RNase7 for its role in RNA uptake and recently discovered RNA processing.

• 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
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Alexander Dalpke, since 7/2023; Privatdozentin Dr. Tatjana Eigenbrod, until 2/2020; Professor Dr. Dominik Hartl, until 1/2016; Professor Alexander Weber, Ph.D.