Thrombospondin-1 and NF-κB signaling in ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (B01)

Subject Area Ophthalmology
Term since 2024
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 501530074
 

Project Description

The project aims to identify new diagnostic and therapeutic targets in ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD), a potentially blinding entity, which occurs in up to 60% of patients after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Based on own studies and by using established genetic models we will investigate the role of Thrombospondin-1 and NF-κB as molecular regulators of corneal and conjunctival (lymph)angiogenesis and autoimmunity and their potential use as therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we will use cutting-edge intravital imaging and AI-based image analysis in patients to identify optical biomarkers for better diagnosis and detection of disease activity of oGVHD.
DFG Programme Collaborative Research Centres
Subproject of SFB 1607:  Towards immunomodulatory and anti(lymph)angiogenic therapies for age-related blinding eye diseases
Applicant Institution Universität zu Köln
Project Heads Professor Dr. Manolis Pasparakis; Professor Dr. Philipp Steven