EXC 1003 C4 - Functional Interactions between the Immune System and the Nervous System

Basic data for this project

Description

The interplay between the nervous and immune systems is crucial for pathological processes leading to functional neuronal impairment in a variety of inflammatory and degenerative CNS disorders. This project aims at gaining novel insights into the mechanisms and functional consequences of interactions between the immune and nervous systems at various levels (molecules, pathways, cells, tissues, systems). Therefore, the role of different immune cell populations (CD8 T cells, regulatory immune cells) and distinct molecular candidates relevant both for immune cell and neuronal function (ion channels, co-inhibitory molecules) will be studied. Experimental models mimicking aspects of autoimmune CNS inflammation including cellular, systemic and focal inflammatory CNS lesion paradigms will be used in combination with optical imaging approaches, electrophysiology (cellular and in vivo), EEG, MEG, MRI and PET. Clinical translation is implemented by assessing cellular and molecular markers of CNS lesion development in MS patients (PET, MRI) and by the investigation of alterations in higher cortical functions as a consequence of strategic lesions and disseminated CNS inflammation using MEG and EEG.