Mesenteric lymph node stromal cells influence the induction of chronic intestinal inflammation

• Applicant: Dr. Manuela Büttner
• Subject Area: Gastroenterology ; Immunology
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 453300282

The balance between the responsiveness of the intestinal immune system and the gut environment is fundamental for the maintenance of the intestinal homeostasis, which is required for an adequate recognition of entering antigens. The disruption of this homeostasis by exaggerated immune response to harmless antigens can lead to the development of intestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease. Mesenteric lymph nodes (mLNs) are an important site for the immune response induction, but also contribute to the immune response and tolerance induction in the intestine. The mLNs consist of several specific intestine draining lymph nodes and their backbone is built by sessile non-hematopoietic stromal cells. However, the knowledge about the role of the colon draining mLN as well as stromal cells in the regulation of inflammatory responses is still limited. Therefore, we aim to analyze the influence of the colon-draining mLN as well as stromal cells of the mLN on the development of intestinal inflammation. We will use a chronic intestinal inflammation model such as the IL10-deficient mouse but also a C. rodentium infection model.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants