Regulation of the human splenic marginal zone B cell immunity during aging

• Applicant: Dr. Artur Kibler
• Subject Area: Clinical Infectiology and Tropical Medicine
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 574006297

The splenic marginal zone (sMZ) plays a pivotal role in establishing the microenvironment required for priming of sMZ B cells and defending against blood-borne pathogens. Young children (< 2 years) and seniors (> 65 years) are particularly susceptible to infections, especially with encapsulated bacteria, underscoring age-related impairments in splenic immune function. This proposal aims to investigate how the myeloid compartment regulates T cell-independent B cell responses in the human sMZ. Specifically, it will investigate the interactions between myeloid cells, particularly macrophages, and sMZ B cells during Streptococcus pneumoniae infections and aging. Using multimodal imaging techniques on human spleen sections and ex vivo splenic slice cultures, the study aims to provide cellular and mechanistic insights into the age-related susceptibility to infections with gram-positive polysaccharide encapsulated bacteria.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants