CK2 as a Molecular Switch Regulating Immunity and Tolerance by APC-dependent Induction of Treg cells (A09)

• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 490846870

The fragile balance between immunity and tolerance critically depends on the heterogenous family of myeloid antigen-presenting cells (APC) and their ability to steer appropriate effector and regulatory T (Treg) cell responses. Our preliminary work indicates that the protein kinase CK2 orchestrates the induction of peripheral Treg cells by APC. Hence, the overall aim of this project is to identify signals controlling CK2 activity in APC and to understand the role of this kinase and the associated signal transduction cascades in the development of Treg cells and its consequences for IBD and autoimmunity. This knowledge has major implications for immunotherapeutic intervention in human disease.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 355: Heterogeneity and functional specialization of regulatory T cells in distinct microenvironments
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Tobias Bopp; Professor Dr. Björn Clausen