Resolvins in the CNS - a novel candidate master switch in neuroimmunology

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jan Schwab
• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2004 to 2008
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5429254

The resolution of inflammation is a highly controlled and coordinated process that involves the suppression of pro-inflammatory gene expression, and of leukocyte migration and activation, followed by inflammatory-cell clearence by apoptosis and phagocytis. The new endogenous anti-inflammatory resolving-family might crucially operate the resolution of inflammation in the CNS. Resolvins are early braking signals for the inflammatory response; they inhibit leukocyte infiltration, and the activation on, but promote the recruitment of monocytes and the phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells by monocyte-derived macrophages. The mechanisms by which resolvins mediate resolution in the CNS and putative neuroprotective effector mechanisms are the focus of the fellowship. Resolvins might show therapeutic promise in serveral animal models of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Therapeutic agents based on these new anit-inflammatory lipid mediators might offer a new approach to the treatment of chronic neuroinflammatory diseases and inflammatory pain conditions.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Charles N. Serhan