Analysing B lymphocytes in their environment by complementing longitudinal and functional intravital microscopy with multiplexed immunofluorescence histology (C01)

• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2013 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 215346292

In the second funding period, C01 extended the imaging time-window in femoral marrow and in inflamed kidneys, to monitor plasma cells interacting with their environment over months. Furthermore, we provided a multiplexed technology for time-lapse intravital imaging, to study molecular mechanisms of B cell dynamics and germinal centre egress in spleen and lymph nodes, and developed imaging technologies to analyse cellular and tissue metabolism, in health and disease. Linking basic research to clinical settings, C01 will in the next funding period complement intravital imaging with high-throughput multiplexed immunofluorescence histology, to identify new target molecules determining B lymphocyte phenotypes and functions. On that basis, we will further develop multiplexed intravital imaging for combined monitoring of cellular dynamics with cellular metabolism and B lymphocyte calcium signalling in vivo, in lymphoid organs as well as inflamed tissues.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 130: B Cells: Immunity and Autoimmunity
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Anja Erika Hauser; Professorin Dr. Raluca Aura Niesner