Unravelling the role of ACOD1 in gut microbiota-driven relapse mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis (TP11)

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

The gut microbiome is a key driver of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis, including disease flares. Our data indicate that dysbiotic microbiota release bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs) that cross the mucosal barrier and reach peripheral tissues. We hypothesize that these bEVs promote RA relapse by modulating myeloid effector function via ACOD1-dependent pathways. This project aims to define bEV biodistribution and immunomodulatory effects during relapse, and to clarify the role of ACOD1 in inflammatory reactivation.

• 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: Professorin Aline Bozec, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr. Claudia Günther