Immunity, Inflammation, Infection
Healthy children and adolescents through science – for a better life
Immunity, Inflammation, Infection
Healthy children and adolescents through science – for a better life
Background
The Immunity, Inflammation, Infection research program revolves around the human immune system, aiming to understand how a healthy immune system develops and functions as well as to explore its role in both rare and common diseases.
Key aspects of research
A primary focus is on congenital immunodeficiencies (inborn errors of immunity, IEIs) which increase susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, allergies, and certain cancers. Recent insights into the genetics and cellular biology of IEIs are prompting a re-evaluation of common diseases, as some IEI symptoms closely resemble those of early-onset complex immune disorders. A thorough understanding of the genes and metabolic pathways underlying immune function is essential to advancing precision medicine for diagnosing, treating, and preventing these conditions.
Objectives
During the two-year set-up phase of DZKJ, researchers will investigate key signaling pathways of immune cells through advanced multi-omics, single-cell transcriptomics, and proteomics analyses on existing cohorts of children and adolescents with IEI, allergies, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The goal is to define specific endotypes of common diseases, laying the groundwork for developing innovative therapies, including cell and gene therapies, tailored to these profiles.
Objectives
During the two-year set-up phase of DZKJ, researchers will investigate key signaling pathways of immune cells through advanced multi-omics, single-cell transcriptomics, and proteomics analyses on existing cohorts of children and adolescents with IEI, allergies, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The goal is to define specific endotypes of common diseases, laying the groundwork for developing innovative therapies, including cell and gene therapies, tailored to these profiles.
