How are inflammation and metabolism connected?

Coordinators: M. Laudes (CAU), H. Kirchner (UzL), M. Liebeke (CAU), M. Hoffmann (UzL)

Chronic inflammatory diseases are often accompanied by metabolic conditions such as obesity or type 2 diabetes. Conversely, metabolic diseases can themselves be associated with persistent low-grade inflammation. This suggests that metabolism and the immune system are closely interconnected.

RTF-V investigates the molecular mechanisms behind this connection. We study how changes in cellular metabolism influence immune responses, inflammation and tissue damage – and how these processes contribute to both chronic inflammatory diseases and their metabolic comorbidities.

Understanding these shared mechanisms could reveal new ways to classify patients and identify therapeutic targets. In the long term, this may make it possible to treat metabolic processes that contribute to chronic inflammation rather than addressing inflammation and metabolic disease separately.