The role of microbiota-specific T cells as inflammatory drivers of hepatic diseases (B02)

• Subject Area: Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms ; Immunology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 530990199

We hypothesise that microbe-reactive T cells driven by an altered microbiome composition contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune liver diseases. To test this hypothesis, we aim to characterise reactive T cells against primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)-associated microbes, in blood and tis-sue of people with PSC and correlate the obtained microbe-reactive T cell response patterns to disease parameters. Further, we aim to identify new candidate microorganisms by specific enrichment, identification, and functional characterisation of microbes from the intestine, as well as from microbes translocated into the bile.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1700: Immune regulation in the liver: from homeostasis to disease
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Petra Bacher; Dr. Corinna Bang