Variability and organ specificity of lymphatic vessel–dendritic cell interactions in the eye (allergic conjunctivitis) (B04)

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

The oak processionary moth toxin thaumetopoein (Tha) causes massive allergic responses in skin and conjunctiva. To investigate the role of dendritic cells in Tha-induced dermatitis and conjunctivitis, we will develop new mouse models based on recombinant Tha-allergens. Spatial characterization of the lymphatic vessel beds in mouse and human conjunctiva, comparison of dendritic cells migration in skin and conjunctiva and manipulation of lymph vessels in the mouse will provide the basis to probe if immune cell migration to lymph vessels during the allergic response to Tha is a target for future therapeutic intervention.

• 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. Friedemann Kiefer; Dr. Simona Schlereth