Helmholtz Munich

Our research aims to elucidate the innate immune response at the alveolar barrier after contact with inhaled environmental agents (i.e. particles, viruses), that initially contribute to the maintenance of physiologic conditions, but may ultimately lead to (chronic) lung disease.

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To investigate the cellular responses, we apply state of the art intravital microscopy on the alveolar region of the murine lung. We want to visualize and determine in real-time elements of the pulmonary immune response under physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions upon inhalation of adverse agents or novel nano-technology based drug carriers. This unique approach enables us to study (sub-)cellular dynamic events, which were inaccessible up to now. Our research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the initiation and chronicity of lung inflammation and to the evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies.

Picture left: Intravital microscopic image of innate immune cells in the alveolar region of the lung. Alveoli and surrounding tissue, containing micro-vessels are highlighted by reflected light (red). Platelets (bright red), neutrophils (green) and alveolar macrophages (blue) are depicted.