About the RTG

Up to 40% of the population in developed countries suffer from allergic diseases and approximately 5-8% from autoimmune diseases with still increasing prevalence. Therefore, a better mechanistic understanding of disease pathogenesis is urgently required for the development of appropriate diagnostics and for novel treatment strategies.

Our Goals

Identification of
key immune master switches

To identify key immune master switches (IMS) involved in allergic and autoimmune diseases.

This task is set up to both, better understand disease development and to identify possible targets of intervention and biomonitoring.

Dissection of switches

To dissect switches involved in the initiation, chronification and the resilience or resolution of allergies and autoimmune reactions.

By this, we appreciate that disease development underlies several phases including a preclinical phase susceptible to prevention and that the different phases need targeted intervention.

Redefinition of
conceptional distinction

To redefine the conceptional distinction between autoimmune and allergic diseases.

Based on in-depth analyses, common pathways between diseases beyond the classical dichotomy of type 2 and type1/3 diseases have been detected. Thus we anticipate that cross-evaluation between these areas will allow us to cross-interpret immune pathologies and apply diagnostics and treatments based on characterization and not based on disease or disease area categories.

Evaluation of scientific data

To evaluate scientific data with regard to translation and its possible use in medicine.

To this end, all proposals were set up as tandem projects with one life science graduate and one medical student or clinician scientist to allow ongoing clinical evaluation and reciprocal feedback.

Tandem Structure

The close cooperation of trainees with different study backgrounds forms the backbone of our translational research and training concept. Therefore, this RTG introduces tandems of trainees with a background in natural science and medicine (Dr. med. candidates or clinician scientists) in each of the research laboratories. The formation of these research tandems, which are going to embrace the idea of translational research, will generate a close exchange of disciplines, and will allow to join forces to generate added value by learning from each other and will provide long-term benefit for the trainees and the projects. The PIs have designed all projects in a way that fosters collaboration between trainees from complementary backgrounds, and thus, the program will establish a unique platform for training and peer learning.