FAU own research funding: EFI / IZKF / EAM ...
Start date : 01.01.2024
End date : 31.12.2025
Cell trafficking is crucially involved in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. While the contribution of cell surface receptors to such trafficking has been explored in detail and has already lead to therapeutic applications, cell-intrinsic properties affecting the cellular migratory behavior have largely been overlooked. Here, we hypothesize that cell mechanical properties and cell trafficking are inextricably linked. Thus, in an interdisciplinary and synergistic effort, this project addresses the role of cellular mechanobiology for homing to the inflamed gut and synovia as well as the mechanical features of therapeutic regulatory T cells and pharmacological opportunities to manipulate cell mechanics. In the long-term perspective, we hope that our insights might provide novel and specific targets for mitigating chronic inflammation.