DFG SPP 1937 – Innate Lymphoid Cells

The DFG Priority Programme SPP 1937 “Innate Lymphoid Cells” is a national, interdisciplinary priority programme for the structured funding of research groups conducting joint research in the new scientific field of the Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs).

ILCs are a group of lymphocytes of the innate immune system discovered recently. They are important effector cells in the immune defense of infections and tumors. However, they are also involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis etc..

It is now also known that ILCs are tissue-resident cells that strongly impact on the biology of various organs and tissues.

Three research groups at the DRFZ are investigating the interaction between ILCs and the surrounding tissue in order to gain an understanding of the development of chronic inflammatory diseases.