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Our group "Glycoimmunology", sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) since February 2009, focuses on the
impact of complex oligosaccharide structures on inflammatory processes
in the body. In our immune system, there are different classes of carbohydrate-binding receptors (lectins) that recognize specific glycan structures on glycoproteins and glycolipids. C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) represent a large lectin receptor superfamily predominantly expressed on cells of the innate immunity (see figure). CLRs recognize conserved glycan structures on pathogens and play a crucial role in the initiation of a protective immune response during infections. Furthermore, they are important for the maintenance of tolerance to autoantigens.
In our group, the function of CLRs is investigated by using murine models of infection and autoimmunity. We intend to identify new ligands of CLRs and utilize CLRs for a specific targeting of antigen-presenting cells. Finally, we aim to get a deeper understanding of how CLRs influence inflammatory processes in vivo which will lead to new strategies for a specific modulation of ongoing immune responses. This research should lead us to new methods for targeted drug delivery as well as to the development of new adjuvants to increase the efficacy of vaccines.
Specifically, we are addressing the following topics:
- Identification of new CLR ligands by glycan/glycoprotein array
- Analysis of CLR expression upon inflammatory stimuli
- Investigation of CLR function in murine models of infection and autoimmunity
- Targeting of CLRs using antibodies and synthetic carbohydrate ligands.
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