Flagellin-induced generation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells: functionality and relevance for cystic fibrosis lung disease

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Nikolaus Rieber
• Subject Area: Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine ; African, American and Oceania Studies
• Term: from 2014 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 254692304

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterized by chronic inflammation and infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The underlying immune mechanisms are incompletely understood. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a recently characterized cell population, which dampens T cell responses and regulates chronic inflammation. We found in previous studies, that a distinct subtype of neutrophilic MDSCs accumulates in patients and a mouse model of CF in vivo. We further found that pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa enhances the induction of neutrophilic MDSCs through a flagellin-mediated mechanism. We propose to comprehensively dissect the role of neutrophilic MDSCs in CF lung disease, which will expand our knowledge on immunity in CF lung disease and may lead to novel therapeutic options.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants