Role of CNS-associated macrophages in mycobacterial meningoencephalitis (B04)

• Subject Area: Immunology ; Experimental Models for the Understanding of Nervous System Diseases ; Medical Microbiology and Mycology, Hygiene, Molecular Infection Biology
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 259373024

Mycobacterial infections early in life can lead to tuberculosis (TB) meningitis. Mycobacterial infections of the CNS involve complex immune processes with macrophages as key players. We aim to characterize the origin, diversity, and fate of CNS-associated macrophages and analyze the impact of macrophage metabolism on mycobacterial meningoencephalitis and explore heterocellular interactions in mycobacterial infections of the CNS. We will combine high-dimensional transcriptional and metabolic analysis, cellular immunophenotyping, fate-mapping, and imaging techniques to identify targets for adjunctive therapy for TB meningitis.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 167: Development, function and potential of myeloid cells in the central nervous system (NeuroMac)
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Philipp Henneke; Dr. Anne Lößlein, since 1/2025