Impact of maternal immune activation on the interleukin-6/T helper 17 – axis for intestinal tissue development and inflammation in children (B07)

• Subject Area: Reproductive Medicine, Urology ; Immunology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 534829736

Early life stressors are associated with functional abdominal pain disorders in children. Our preliminary data suggest that CD4 T cells are dysregulated in children with abdominal symptoms and related to antenatal stressors and dysregulated interleukin-6 signalling in the mothers during pregnancy. Here, we will investigate the role of early life stressors and maternal immune activation on CD4 T cell development in children. We will also use organoid systems to decipher the consequences of altered intestinal development and inflammation.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1713: Maternal Immune Activation: Causes and Consequences
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Head: Professorin Madeleine Bunders, Ph.D.