Centrum für Chronische Immundefizienz - CCI

Genetic deficiencies of human T cell immunity

T cell immunity is important for the control of most infections. A successful T cell response involves antigen recognition, cellular activation and differentiation, rapid expansion and exertion of eff ector functions. These potent and highly dynamic processes must be tightly regulated in order to avoid inappropriate or uncontrolled infl ammatory responses. Human genetic diseases provide a fascinating window to understand T cell immunity and its relevance for the control of infectious diseases as well as for diseases of immune dysregulation.  

The research group „Genetic deficiencies of human T cell immunity“ works at the interface between clinical and basic immunology with a particular focus on T cell immunity. The research activities cover a large spectrum from basic research in animal models or the identifi cation of new genetic defects to international diagnostic and clinical studies. The group integrates both physicians and basic scientists.  

We study three immunodeficiency states representing models for different aspects of T cell immunity:

Projects:

• Genetic disorders of T cell development, activation and differentiation:
  Profound Combined Immunodeficiencies (P-CID)
• Genetic disorders of T cell cytotoxicity:
  Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
• Genetic disorders of T cell homeostasis, differentiation and survival:
  Primary immunodeficiencies associated with autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation („AL-PID“)