Airway Immunology

The airway epithelial cells constitute the barrier to our environment and, together with immune cells scattered in this layer, are the first cells to be exposed to environmental components such as allergens, viruses, or pollutant particles.

The focus of the Airway Immunology Group is on epithelial cell biology and its cross-talk with the immune system (T cells, innate lymphocytes, and macrophages). There are critical changes in the airway epithelium that can prime both epithelial differentiation and the immune system, ultimately leading to the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. We investigate the role of the airway epithelium in allergic inflammation under the influence of Th1/Th2 mediators. It is important to understand the interaction between epithelial cells and immune cells to identify specific biomarkers for allergic inflammation. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is another focus under investigation, and therapeutic efficacy is also being investigated at the epithelial barrier. The group is also interested in food allergies and the gut barrier. Airway projects are funded by the DZL (German Lung Research Center), biomarker studies are supported by the ZAUM-led EIT Health EU consortium "ADAPT". Food allergies are investigated in the BMBF consortium "ABROGATE" led by ZAUM.