RTF IV: Experimental Models of Inflammation

The main goal of this research area is to provide individualized experimental models for patient groups, in order to define individual disease principles and treatment strategies, while taking into account the most important aspects of patient genome and microbiome, i.e. the hologenome. In particular, those involved will develop or further improve state-of-the-art, individualized mouse models of inflammatory diseases. In doing so, the identification and characterization of disease-relevant cell populations through state-of-the-art cytometry is an essential step within precision medicine.
 

The research area has great potential to define new aspects of genetic, immunological and microbial factors which drive the development of diseases, including the transition from non-harmful microorganisms living in symbiosis to harmful microorganisms, and the associated immunological processes.

RTF IV provides state-of-the-art experimental in vivo models, as well as a platform for high-resolution immunological cell analysis of clinical samples and samples from the experimental models. These approaches enable the validation of new therapeutic target structures, the evaluation of personalized therapeutic approaches including the influence of the microbiome and the identification of new molecular mechanisms underlying chronic inflammatory diseases.

RTF IV works closely together with RTF I, RTF II and TI-1, from which it obtains the data of the individual genomic and metagenomic differences between the patients. The high-resolution immunological cell analysis is provided for TIs 2-4 and CDs 1-5, and thus fulfils a central function in the cluster.