Treg cells as modulators of gluten-induced inflammation in celiac disease (B08)

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

Celiac disease (CeD) is an inflammatory disease of the small intestine triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. It is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration, autoantibodies against transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and villous atrophy induced by T cell reactive to gluten peptide that have been modified by TG2. Though previous studies indicate an important role of Foxp3+ Treg cells in keeping tolerance to gluten and protection against CeD associated autoimmunity, how Tregs protect from CeD or contribute to its regression is not known. Here we will use the humanized NOD-HLA-DQ8/MHC class II-/- mouse model of CeD crossed to NOD-DEREG mice, combined with duodenal biopsies and PBMCs from patients with active CeD and CeD in remission to unveil the role of different Treg cell subsets in CeD.

• 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: Professorin Luciana Berod, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Detlef Schuppan