Spring Retreat 2012
On April 27th, over 50 GRK reseachers met at the Spring Retreat. Data from 29 projects were presented and discussed during the meeting and the following dinner party. Thanks to all participants, who made our retreat so interesting and lively!
GRK1727 "Modulation of Autoimmunity"
"With new knowledge gained (...), as well as the original Witebsky postulates, we propose that three types of evidence can be marshalled to establish that a human disease is autoimmune in origin. They include direct evidence from transfer of pathogenic antibody or pathogenic T cells; indirect evidence based on reproduction of the autoimmune disease in experimental animals; and circumstantial evidence from clinical clues."
Noel R Rose and Constantin Bona, Immunol Today, 14:426
Selected research models
High troughput analysis of neutrophil activation
Mouse models of EBA and BP
Antibodies and unique compunds
Conplastic mouse strains
GRK students present to Nobel Prize Laureate Jules Hoffmann
After the Cluster Lecture, GRK students Unni Samavedam, Girish Srinivas and Artem Vorobyev presented their ongoing projects to Jules Hoffmann. This was followed by a critical discussion and a lecture by Jules Hoffmann on "Pain and Fun in Research".
TP1: "Good and bad" autoantibodies
In an experimental mouse model of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), type VII collagen-specific autoantibodies of the IgG subclasses IgG1 ("good")and 2 ("bad") are induced by immunizing mice with murine type VII collagen. Interestingly, only the binding of the complement-fixing autoantibodies of the IgG2 subclass to type VII collagen induces the cascade of inflammatory events that lead to blister formation in the skin. We here aim to modulate the course of the disease by preferentially inducing non-pathogenic autoantibodies.
TP9: IVIG
Identification of the molecular and cellular effects of high dose IVIG therapy
High doses of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are successfully used in the therapy of many autoimmune diseases. However, the supply of IVIG is limited and the mode of action is controversially discussed. The aim of this project is identification of the molecular and cellular targets of IVIG therapy in immunization-induced EBA (J Pathol, 2011; Blood, 2011).
Image from Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 38:186
MD TP3: ANA in health
The reported prevalence of antinuclaear antibodies (ANA) in healthy populations ranges from 5% to 30%. This difference may be due to the relative small sample sizes and different test systems used. We here will determine the incidence of ANA in a cohort of over 10,000 blood donors using immunofluorescence testing.
Image: Detection of ANA in the plasma from a healthy blood donor
MD TP4: Autoantibodies in health
The prevalance of autoantibodies to structural components to the skin is largely unknown. We here will determine the incidence these autoantibodies in a cohort of over 10,000 blood donors using immunofluorescence testing.
Image: Detection of Dsg1 specific antibodies in a plasma sample from a healthy blood donor
associated TP4: Cytokines
Circumstantial evidence suggests a contribution of cytokines in the pathogenesis of autoimmune skin blistering diseases (G Ital Dermatol Venereol, 2009). However, functional data showing a contribution of cytokines in these diseases is lacking. Thus, we here will investigate the functional consequences of cytokine modulation in experimental models of autoimmune skin blistering, focusing on epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA).
Image: Cytokine detection using a protein-based array system
Welcome to GRK "Modulation of Autoimmunity"
Incidence and prevalence of autoimmune diseases are increasing. Despite novel insights into the pathogenesis the mainstay of treatment is still unspecific systemic immunosuppression. However, this treatment may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The successful transition of therapeutic strategies, developed by basic research efforts, is still a crucial, yet unmet challenge of clinically relevant research in autoimmunity. The DFG funded Reseach Training Group (RTG) "Modulation of Autoimmunity" (GRK1727) implements this transitional strategy. Research projects of this GRK developed from a focus program Autoimmunity that has been funded by the Medical Faculty of the University of Lübeck since 2006. There are two sections the projects of the GRK belong to: (A) Development of innovative strategies to treat established autoimmune disease and (B) Identification of novel therapeutic targets in autoimmunity.
The broad methodological spectrum of the individual projects will facilitate an in depth training of the students, which is complemented by a qualification and mentoring program. The qualification concept includes a GRK-specific scientific seminar and defined training elements. It interacts with already available training elements of the Graduate School GSC 235/1 Computing in Medicine and Life Science, the Borstel Biomedical Research School, the Excellence Cluster 306/1 Inflammation at Interfaces, the Focus Program Autoimmunity, Section C (Immunology) of SFB 654 Plasticity and Sleep, the SFB/TR22 Allergic immune response of the lung, and the Clinical Research Group 170 Wegener’s granulomatosis. The major aim of the GRK is to link basic research in autoimmunity to defined clinical applications and thus stimulate translational thinking in a new generation of scientists.
Impressions from Spring Retreat 2012
- Arriving at the Turmhörsaal
- Discussions during coffee
- Audience
- Group photo
- Prof. Müller-Ruchholz with Prof. Zillikens
- Science in motion
- Deserved dinner
- Buffet
Open positions
We have currently the following open positions:
- Medical students to obtain Dr. med. degree (6-12 month stipends). Interested candidates may contact the principle investigators directly, or see here for projects currently recruiting MD-PhD students. A stipend of 753 € / month is given to accepted candidates.
News
Science award of Lesser Loewe Foundation
5.000,-- € prize money for Pathobiochemistry and molecular diagnostics of inflammatory and tumor...
Thursday, 2012/05/10
Research award of Berlin foundation for dermatology
10.000,-- prize money for exploration of skin diseases and their treatment of national and...
Thursday, 2012/05/03
Event about histological techniques
For more information please click here.
Wednesday, 2012/04/25
Nikon small world competition
If you are interested please look here.
Tuesday, 2012/04/24
Night of the laboratories
For more information please click here.
