RTG2668 Research

Why is our research important?

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. Therefore the RTG2668 three main foci are:

  • Identification – the identification of IMS in different disease phases

  • Understanding – a more precise stratification of inflammatory subtypes

  • Evaluation – The evaluation of scientific data

RTG2668 research aims

The main four scientific objectives of this RTG are:

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.

Our Projects

To achieve our scientific aims, 12 proposals were included in the RTG26668 with six in allergy/allergic inflammation (Part A; A1-A6), and six in autoimmune diseases (Part B; B1-B6). All projects are set up as tandem projects with one life science graduate and one medical student or clinician scientist, working on two scientifically independent projects within one tandem approach. The tandem approach of researchers with life science and medical study background will allow in depth cooperation and exchange between the trainees and, at the same time, lead to independent accomplishments and publications.