Projects
Impact of microbiota-derived metabolites on tissue homeostasis and immune function in graft-versus-host disease
Principal Investigators:
Poeck, Hendrik, TUM & UKR
Ruland, Jürgen, TUM
Besides bacteria, microbiota-derived metabolites play a pivotal role in modulating innate and T cell mediated immunity in graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). In fecal samples of allo-SCT recipients, we identified a microbiome signature consisting of bacteria and their associated immunomodulatory metabolites that associate with clinical outcomes and can engage a specific innate immune pathway to mediate protection from GvHD. Led by these discoveries, we will investigate the microbiota/metabolomic profile in intestinal tissue samples of patients with or without GvHD (Aim 1), analyze the functional role of identified metabolites/consortia on GvHD (Aim 2) and test the influence of metabolite cocktails or bacterial consortia on human GvHD in preclinical model systems (Aim 3). Our goal is to develop microbial-based interventions that minimize GvHD for more effective cancer treatment.
⇒ Projects