Signals mediating crosstalk of intestinal epithelial cells with innate lymphoid cells in inflammatory bowel diseases (B02)

• Subject Area: Immunology ; Gastroenterology ; Rheumatology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 375876048

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are major regulators of intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) homeostasis. In this project, we hypothesize that an altered balance between group 1 ILCs and ILC3 contribute to promote inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Using single cell and spatial genomics approaches, we aim at identifying the transcriptional and epigenetic signatures of intestinal ILC subsets in ulcerative colitis patients and in in vivo colitis models as well as the IEC-derived signals driving ILC reprogramming during inflammation. Manipulation of such pathways will be used to promote IEC regeneration, while dampening IBD pathogenic circuits.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 241: Immune-Epithelial Communication in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Project Heads: Dr. Leif Ludwig, since 7/2022; Professorin Dr. Chiara Romagnani, Ph.D.