The aim of this sub-project is to understand the interaction of the microbiome with macrophages in human and murine health and disease. The group will contribute to the overarching goal of the SFB by providing crucial microbiome information to the consortium for their specific sub-projects (T. Weichhart, G. Egger, G. Schabbauer, M. Schweiger). Using human clinical samples (UC and CRC, G. Egger) and samples from mouse models (T. Weichhart, A. Haschemi), we will analyze the correlation of the bacterial, archaeal and fungal microbiome profile/function with macrophage functionality (E. Pohl) in disease and health. Specifically, we are exploring non-bacterial microbiome components (particularly archaea and fungi), and will assess, in a coordinated approach between T. Weichhart and E. Pohl, if and how archaeal and fungal cellular components and products can alter macrophage functionality in exposure assays. This information will finally feed into functional experiments, which aim for the identification of (archaeal) components or products, which can be used to reduce disease-patterns phenotypically in mouse models (T. Weichhart) or organoid models (G. Egger) and thus may constitute novel immunometabolic targets in human disease. By focusing our efforts on the non-bacterial microbiome, we aim to identify novel factors of macrophage interaction and novel possibilities to manipulate macrophage functionality through microbiome modulation.

Torben Wilhelm Kühnast
Postdoc
SFB member

Viktoria Weinberger
PhD Student
SFB member