Identifying the niche of perivascular immune cells

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Tim Lämmermann, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2019 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431347925

Immune cells distribute throughout all tissues to protect our body from pathogens. It has long been acknowledged that macrophages and mast cells decorate the outer surfaces of cutaneous blood vessels and regulate their functions. However, the molecular identity of this crosstalk is largely unknown. In particular, we are missing a detailed understanding about how different vessel types and vascular components shape the specific "niche" that regulates the identity and function of perivascular immune cells in the skin. By using in situ imaging in combination with mouse genetics, we will investigate (a) the functional role of specific blood vessel components (endothelial cells, pericytes, vascular smooth muscle cells, nerves) in regulating the homeostasis and defining the phenotype of perivascular macrophages and mast cells, and (b) the signals and molecules that control the perivascular localization of these cells. Our studies will provide important novel insight into both, the local regulation of perivascular immune cells, as well as the physiological functions they exert in the skin, findings that likely can be extrapolated to other peripheral tissues.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France
• Cooperation Partner: Marc Bajénoff, Ph.D.