von Stebut, Esther - assoc. RG 04

Our lab focuses on studying skin immune responses against infections. We mainly utilize the model of cutaneous leishmaniasis, initiated by parasitic infections with Leishmania major. Current projects concentrate on studying the Dendritic cell (DC) subtypes involved in defense mechanisms, the interaction of DC with T cells (antigens recognized, T cell subsets involved), and the role of additional myeloid cells for immune regulation (mast cells, monocytes/macrophages). The involvement of innate lymphoid cells (ILC) in protection against leishmaniasis as well as inflammasome-dependent cell death in skin defense are equally addressed in our investigations.

Using so-called 'humanized mouse models', translation of basic research findings into the clinical setting is central. Deciphering the details of immunity against the parasite will aid not only basic research in skin immunity against various pathogens and in chronic inflammatory processes but will also promote the development of a vaccine against this important human pathogen.

Understanding the immunological control of inflammatory skin diseases in humans, triggered among other reasons by pathologically activated T cell response in humans, concerns us further in diverse projects addressing e.g. atopic dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris, graft-versus-host reaction and hidradenitis suppurativa ultimatively leading to further testings in clinical studies.

For more information, please check Infection Immunology at the Dept. of Dermatology and Venerology.

• Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC)
• SFB 1292