SFB 542: Molecular Mechanisms of Cytokine-Mediated Inflammatory Processes: Signal Transduction and Pathophysiological Consequences

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Besides immuno-competent cells such as monocytes, macrophages, granulocytes and lymphocytes cells of inflamed tissues (endothelial cells, fibroblasts, keratinocytes, hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, mensangial cells or glial cells) are involved in the inflammatory response of the organism after infection and injury. The communication between these cells is brought about by cytokines. These polypeptide-mediators act through specific receptors on the surface of target cells. The molecular mechanisms by which these signals are transduced into the cell are not fully understood. The cellular responses range from altered gene expression, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration to degranulation. Dysregulation of signal transduction cascades and cytokine or receptor expression has been found to be the cause of several diseases. Due to these clinical implications, many academic and commercial research institutions are interested in cytokine-induced signal transduction cascades. The participating members of the collaborative research centre 542 are investigating the role of cytokine action in inflammatory diseases in order to understand their role in pathology. The results of these studies will serve as a rational basis for the development of new diagnostic tools and therapies for acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.