Systemic neutrophil imbalances as indicator and mediator of treatment resistance (TP07)

• Subject Area: Rheumatology ; Immunology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 550296805

This project investigates how neutrophil imbalances drive treatment resistance in immune-mediated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and inflammatory bowel disease. Using CITE-sequencing, flow cytometry, spatial transcriptomics and humanized mouse models, we will identify neutrophil states associated with therapy resistance and examine the role of activating (TNFR2) and inhibitory (Siglec-5/9) receptors. The findings will reveal mechanisms of treatment resistance and potentially guide new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for these autoimmune diseases.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1755: CASCAID - Cellular and Systems Control of Autoimmune Disease
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Ricardo Grieshaber-Bouyer; Privatdozentin Dr. Ulrike Steffen