EXC 1023: ImmunoSensation: The Immune Sensory System

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The immune system is essential for maintaining health and plays a pivotal role in most diseases. At the core of innate immunity lie pattern recognition receptors (here: immune sensing receptors), which detect foreign microbial molecules or altered self-molecules from tissue damage. The activation of immune sensing receptors initiates defence and repair mechanisms that normally protect the host. However, dysregulation of these responses can cause a range of inflammatory diseases. With the recent discoveries that particular immune sensing receptors are present in most somatic cells and that the metabolic state and neuronal inputs are tightly integrated, innate immunity has developed beyond the boundaries of classical immunology. The Cluster of Excellence addresses this concept by linking innate immunity at the University of Bonn with the expertise in sensory systems research (Molecular Sensory Systems, CAESAR), neurobiology (German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, DZNE), mathematics (Institute of Applied Mathematics), and metabolism and immunity (Life & Medical Sciences Institute, LIMES). These interactions have led to a number of important discoveries in the field of immune sensing, namely in inflammasome research, immunorecognition of nucleic acids, lectins and dendritic cells, local immune regulation in the liver and the gut, immune cell migration, the endocannabinoid system and the crossroad of metabolism and innate immunity. It is now evident that immune sensing is involved in many of the lifestyle-associated diseases of modern societies, such as atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, neurodegeneration and cancer. The Cluster of Excellence is addressing these challenges and the great potential of this emerging field. The recruitment of additional scientists and the establishment of cross-institutional technological platforms will catalyse our efforts to better understand immune sensing receptors and their ligands, their regulation by the local and systemic environments, and the integration of sensory input and its consequences for inflammation in vivo. Together with its strong measures for early career support and gender equality, the Cluster of Excellence stands well prepared to become one of the leading centres of innate immune sensing and ultimately to make a sustained impact on human health.