Project Details
Projekt
Regulation of the immune balance during ASCT by vitamin D3 (B12)
Subject Area
Hematology, Oncology
Immunology
Immunology
Term
since 2018
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 324392634
We identified low vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression as an independent risk factor for mortality following ASCT. In a murine ASCT model, VDR-KO recipients showed reduced GvHD severity, likely due to elevated vitamin D3 levels modulating incoming immune cells. Myeloid cells emerged as key vitamin D3 targets and gut analyses showed VDR-dependent shifts in gene expression and microbiota. Next, we will confirm our data in an independent murine model, study VDR's role in GvL and test local VDR agonists, including engineered probiotics producing vitamin D3 metabolites, to modulate GvHD and improve transplant outcomes.
DFG Programme
CRC/Transregios
Subproject of
TRR 221:
Modulation of graft-versus-host and graft-versus-leukemia immune responses after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Applicant Institution
Universität Regensburg
Project Heads
Privatdozent Dr. Heiko Bruns; Professorin Dr. Marina P. Kreutz; Dr. Carina Matos, since 1/2026; Dr. Katrin Peter, until 12/2021
