Transcutaneous immunization: Mechanisms of intercellular crosstalk in the skin (A05)

• Subject Area: Dermatology
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 246807620

We have established a method for transcutaneous immunization (TCI) based on the Toll-like receptor 7-agonist imiquimod that is applied along with a synthetic CD8 T cell epitope onto intact murine skin. In continuation of our previous work, we will address the contribution of myeloid cell populations in the skin, i.e. dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils and mast cells to decipher cells and mediators acting positively or negatively on TCI-induced immune responses. As a long term perspective, we will pursue the aim to improve the efficiency of TCI and the generation of T cell memory.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 156: The skin as sensor and effector orchestrating local and systemic immunity
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Co-Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Markus P. Radsak; Professor Dr. Michael Stassen