TP A1: B cell metabolism in autoimmunity

In recent years, changes in metabolism have been shown to influence the differentiation of T cells and monocytes/macrophages into pro- or anti-inflammatory subsets. Moreover, nutrition drastically influences autoimmune inflammation. Current concepts suggest that targeting metabolic pathways could represent a novel therapeutic strategy. Though not well studied so far, growing evidence is found that B cells react similarly to metabolic challenges.

This study aims to further characterise the metabolic profile of B cell subsets and the impact of certain metabolites on the differentiation of mature B cells into plasma cells or germinal centre B cells. Additionally, the influence of metabolites on the production of autoantibodies and immunomodulatory molecules such as IL-10 will be investigated. Finally, the impact of metabolites on B cells will be studied in models for autoimmune diseases, such as epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA).