The CD40/CD40L-axis in aortic aneurysm: defining immune cell interactions and therapeutic targets (A05)

• Subject Area: Cardiology, Angiology ; Cardiac and Vascular Surgery ; Immunology
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 397484323

Previous work has identified a novel macrophage subpopulation termed interferon-inducible cells (IFNICs) in murine abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) that exhibits high CD40 expression and an interferon gene signature. The function of IFNICs in the genesis of AAA and the role of the pro-inflammatory CD40/CD40L axis and other immunomodulatory signalling cascades (TAMs, IFNAR) remains unknown. We aim to define the phenotype, localisation and function of CD40+ IFNICs in AAA and to investigate the CD40-mediated modulation of AAA-relevant type I interferon responses. In addition, predictors for life-threatening ruptures in patients in late stages of AAA and new therapeutic approaches for therapy will be identified.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 259: Aortic Disease
• Applicant Institution: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Norbert Gerdes; Professorin Dr. Esther Lutgens, until 6/2023; Dr. Susanne Schmidt, since 7/2023