Investigating lipid metabolism and its impact on our immune system

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During homeostasis the systemic immune response relies on the expansion and differentiation of blood stem cells. In response to infection, these stem cells promote the rapid immune response by generating innate and adaptive immune cells that are recruited into the liver and the intestine to support the response to infection. During infection the blood stem cells require energy to proliferate and differentiate into immune cells, however were this energy comes from is not fully understood. To gain a better understanding of the mechanisms regulating the energy requierment for blood production during infectoin will enable us to propose strategies to preserve and improve the systemic immune function and to overall maintain whole-body health. Therefore, the aim of this project is to define the mechanisms underpinning metabolic reqyuirement of haematopoiesis during infection. Specifically, we will determine the role of various lipid metabolites and regulators in these processes.