Florian Wirsdörfer

Immunomodulation of the innate and adaptive immune system after injury-induced tissue destruction

The immune system has the remarkable ability to defend against various pathogens due to the tightly regulated activation of T cells in lymphoid organs. T cell activation requires signals that are delivered by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Traumatic injury that occurs e.g. upon surgery or accidents is associated with a massive destruction of soft tissue like skeletal muscles and often leads to a state of hyperinflammation and/or immunosuppression with higher susceptibility to secondary infections. This is due to a not ill-defined state of innate and adaptive immunomodulation after trauma. The role of soft tissue trauma in this context of immune responses is largely unknown. Normally DC as potent APCs mediate potent T cell stimulation. When activated, TH cells induce pro-inflammatory immune responses, which are protective against bacterial infection but also can enhance an existing inflammation.
In my PhD project I study whether DC in the damaged tissue as part of the innate immune system or T cells in lymphoid organs as part of the adaptive immune system are modulated after soft tissue trauma. Findings in this still obscure field of research could lead to a better understanding of trauma-induced immune responses and may serve to develop therapies for trauma patients.

1st supervisor: Dr. Stefanie Flohé
2nd supervisor: Prof. Dr. Ulf Dittmer

Institute:
Surgical Research, Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen

Telephone: +49 (0)201 - 723 - 4548
E-mail: florian.wirsdoerfer@uk-essen.de