Developmental Immunology

Our laboratory has a long-standing research interest in lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells, control of fetal and adult lineage commitment and adaptive immunity in secondary lymphoid organs and mucosal tissues. LTi cells belong to a recently discovered family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which are characterized by the production of cytokines analogous to Th1, Th2 and Th17 cell subsets. ILCs became the focus of attention for their potential roles in early response to infection, autoimmune disorders, allergy, and tissue repair. The identification of pathways that promote ILC subset development is essential for better understanding how ILCs may contribute to pro- versus anti-inflammatory responses. We were able to identify IL-7, KitL, TSLP and Flt3 as important cytokines involved in the life cycle and differentiation of ILCs and in the development of lymphoid tissues. Using cytokine reporter mice, various genetically modified mouse strains and retroviral inducible gene delivery models (loss or gain of function) we have gained further insights into the regulation of ILCs.

Our research is now focusing on the origin, transcriptional control and the immune function of ILCs and related cell subsets in vivo. Environmental factors such as microbiota, AHR ligands and vitamins and also innate receptors and proinflammatory cytokines regulate growth, differentiation and survival of fetal and adult ILCs.

Dependent on the microenvironment, differences in the maturation and activation state of ILCs were observed, which may regulate the outcome of immune responses. The understanding of how the growing family of ILCs regulates innate and adaptive immunity will be vital for the discovery of new biomedical targets preventing inflammation and autoimmunity.

1. Transcriptional control of ILC development and function
2. Interaction of ILCs with the adaptive immune system
3. Response and production of cytokines by ILCs
4. ILC-stroma interactions and tissue repair in immunodeficiency diseases
5. ILC-driven immune regulation of mucosal inflammation and cancer