Immunoregulation in obstructive airway diseases
Kapellos Lab
The Kapellos Lab investigates the heterogeneity and functions of human immune cells, particularly myeloid cells, in order to better understand the inflammatory mechanisms that drive the initiation and progression of obstructive lung diseases.
The Kapellos Lab investigates the heterogeneity in structure and functions of human lung immune cells, primarily myeloid cells, to better understand the inflammatory mechanisms that drive the initiation and development of obstructive airway diseases.
The immune system is a central driver of obstructive airway diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and allergic asthma. These diseases encompass persistent inflammation and structural changes in the airways, triggered by environmental exposures such as pollutants, tobacco products and allergens. Immune cells orchestrate complex pathological processes that culminate in irreversible lung tissue damage. Understanding how immune cells interact with the respiratory system and the host microbiome is therefore key to revealing the mechanisms of obstructive airway disease progression and developing novel therapies.
Our laboratory investigates how the immune system, particularly myeloid cells, shapes the onset and trajectory of obstructive airway diseases, with the goal of identifying biomarkers for early prevention and outcome prediction, as well as molecular pathways that can be targeted to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. By analyzing heterogeneous, well-defined clinical cohorts, we aim to accelerate the development of personalized therapeutics.
In our laboratory, we combine omics technologies with computational analysis and experimental validation to build a comprehensive picture of immune mechanisms in disease:
Systems immunology: We apply single-cell transcriptomics, proteomics and computational modeling to define immune molecular phenotypes. Genomic profiling of patient samples is integrated with microbiome analysis to reveal host–pathogen interplay.
Ex vivo human models: Our hypotheses are tested using precision-cut lung slices, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and functional assays from lung fluids, explanted tissue and peripheral blood from patients with COPD, bronchiectasis and allergic asthma. Multiplexed imaging resolves spatial immune landscapes and cell–cell interactions.
Translational partnerships: Collaborations with worldwide experts in the field enable in vivo validation in animal models, bridging observations from human studies to preclinical testing.
We currently focus on the following research themes:
Molecular heterogeneity of immune responses: In collaboration with the Ludwig-Maximilian-University hospital, we immunophenotype patients to identify immune biomarkers for early detection, disease staging and endotyping. Moreover, we investigate immune molecular phenotypes on the single-cell level and explore how the lung microbiome shifts and dysbiosis reshape immune responses.
Immune cell metabolism: We study how metabolic reprogramming of immune cells, including changes in secreted proteins and lipid mediators, drives disease progression. Experimental validation of in silico predictions aims to identify therapeutic strategies for reversing harmful gene expression profiles.
Spatial immunology through deep imaging: Using iterative immunofluorescence protocols, we map immune cells in lung anatomical regions and analyze differences in communication between disease severity and sexes. Integration with in-house omics datasets provides a multidimensional view of disease mechanisms.
If you are interested in joining our interdisciplinary team, please contact Dr. Kapellos to discuss your scientific interests and project ideas.
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