What makes a regulatory T cell fit for therapy?

In a long-standing collaboration with the lab of Matthias Edinger & Petra Hoffmann we are studying transcription networks controlling Treg function, as well as their TCR repertoir selection, in particular in the context of Graft-versus-Host-Disease (GvHD). Tregs are immuno-supressive and in a transplant setting, these cells can ameliorate GvHD and may thus be used therapeutically.

Previously, we focused on charaterizing transcription networks and enhancer biology in primary and ex-vivo expanded Tregs, providing one of the first studies linking cell type-specific changes in DNA methylation with enhancer activity. Currently, our Treg project is embedded in the CRR 221 where we investigate Treg therapy in mouse models of GvHD. Here we study the fate and functional repertoire of transplanted, ex-vivo expanded Tregs in host tissues and explore different types of manipulations to make them more efficient.