Interaction of Innate lymphoid cells with neurons in brain homeostasis and in Toxoplasma infection-induced neuroinflammation

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Ildikò Rita Dunay
• Subject Area: Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens
• Term: from 2016 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 320380335

The close interaction between the immune and nervous system has long been perceived. It has been lately shown, that tissue-resident innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in the gut are affected by various neuronal signals regulating tissue homeostasis and inflammation. Recently became evident that ILCs in the central nervous system (CNS) are in close proximity to the blood-brain barrier regulating vascular integrity as well as neuroinflammatory processes, however the profound communication pathways remained undefined. We could currently show that certain ILC subpopulations are present in different compartments of the CNS during steady-state condition and their number is elevated upon neuroinflammation. Besides, we have described the close interaction between immune cells with CNS resident cells upon Toxoplasma infection-induced neuroinflammation resulting in distinct neuronal alterations.In the following experiments, we will further characterize the complex functions of ILC subpopulations and their interaction with neurons in the CNS in health and disease. The obtained results will help to understand the bidirectional communication between the immune system and the CNS in health and disease.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1937: Innate Lymphoid Cells