The role of gut immune cells as a novel therapeutical target for cardiovascular disease

• Applicant: Dr. Florian Kahles
• Subject Area: Cardiology, Angiology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 520275106

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the main cause of death worldwide, despite improved risk management and modern pharmacological therapies. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches have to be identified to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Data from the last 2 decades have shown that inflammation plays an important role in cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and heart failure. Next to the spleen and the bone marrow, the intestinal tract contains one of the largest immune cell reservoirs of our bodies. The role of gut immune cells for cardiovascular disease such as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and heart failure is largely unknown. In this project we will investigate the hypothesis whether intestinal immune cells could be identified as a novel therapeutical target for cardiovascular disease.

• DFG Programme: Independent Junior Research Groups