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In the case of sterile inflammations, such as a stroke or myocardial infarction, massive inflammatory responses are triggered in the body even without direct external action. In order to achieve a better understanding of immune responses to sterile infections in different organ systems, the Biofluorescence research group focuses on identifying the cellular and molecular immune mechanisms underlying their development.

One focus is on the detailed molecular analysis of specific tissue niches encountered by invading immune cells in inflamed organs or in tumors. These are fundamentally different from the environment in, for example, bone marrow, blood or lymphoid organs - the sites where immune cells reside under non-inflammatory conditions. Immune cells respond rapidly and with fundamental changes in their molecular functionality to changes in their environment. These molecular transformations dramatically alter immune cell responses to common stimuli, but are still not fully understood.

3D reconstruction of a human neutrophil granulocyte captured by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

© ISAS / Matthias Gunzer & Anika Grüneboom

Localisation of the inflammation-induced immigration of macrophages (green) into a murine knee joint under rheumatoid arthritis by using light-sheet fluorescence microscopy. Blood vessels are shown in red and general tissue in grey.

© ISAS / Matthias Gunzer & Anika Grüneboom

Comparisons of the optical resolution of images of human neutrophil granulocytes by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy and widefield microscopy.

© ISAS / Matthias Gunzer & Anika Grüneboom

To better understand the role of the immune response in sterile inflammation, the researchers induce various disease states in animal models. They then analyse the inflamed tissues and infiltrated immune cells using advanced light and electron microscopy. The tissues are then further molecularly characterized using flow cytometry, mass spectrometry (MS) and MS-based imaging. In translational studies, the scientists investigate the response of human immune cells to similar triggers in vitro. In various collaborations with partners from the University Hospital Essen, the researchers at ISAS also analyse cells from human patients. With the results obtained, they hope to identify potential new therapeutic targets, subsequently verify them experimentally, and ultimately derive new therapy regimens for patients from the results.

Highlights

23rd April 2024

A cause of immunodeficiency identified

After a stroke or heart attack, the immune system of those affected is often impaired. This can lead to life-threatening infections. A team of researchers from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen University Hospital and ISAS, has now discovered a previously unknown cause for the connection between stroke, heart attack and immunodeficiency. But that's not all: the team has also identified a new treatment approach.

Fluoreszenz-Ultramikroskopische Aufnahme aus dem speziellen Darmgewebe einer Maus, das besonders viele Ig-produzierende Plasmazellen enthält.
20th September 2024

"Book a Scientist": Register Now for a Virtual Chat with Researchers

The format "Book a Scientist" offers those interested in science the opportunity to book individual appointments with researchers within the Leibniz Association. Among them are two ISAS researchers. Their topics are "overzealous" immune cells after a heart attack and animal experiments and their alternatives.

Book a Scientist.
10th September 2024

Fascinating Insights: Virtual World in the Classroom

What actually is reality? How do we perceive our environment? And how can augmented reality support researchers in their work? Along with class 3a of the Don Bosco elementary school in Bochum, two ISAS researchers explored these questions.

Marie steht im Klassenzimmer und trägt eine VR-Brille. In den Händen hält sie jeweils einen Controller.
2nd August 2024

Thrombocyte Proteome: Tracking down Life-threatening Events in the Bloodstream

Thrombocytes (blood platelets) can link up at lightning speed and block a vessel as a thrombus. Possible consequences include heart attacks or strokes. Scientists at ISAS are therefore looking for molecular markers for platelet activation. In future, this knowledge could help doctors recognise a thrombosis before it occurs and react accordingly.

Dr. Fiorella Solari.
28th March 2024

New “Green” Microscopy: Less Electricity, but More Information on Immune Cells in Return

Advanced technologies, such as high-resolution microscopes, produce large amounts of data. And these again consume large amounts of electricity. In addition, there are refrigerators for samples, fume cupboards and small technical devices. While ISAS is upgrading to become greener, researchers at the institute are already working on methods to make microscopy more energy-efficient in general.

Das Bild zeigt eine schematische Darstellung der Datenverarbeitung in der Mikroskopie.
13th March 2024

Cirrhosis of the Liver: Migrating Immune Cells Act as an Early Warning System

The life expectancy of patients with liver cirrhosis depends crucially on the occurrence of disease-associated complications, such as infections. Until now, however, an ability to predict these at an early stage has been lacking. A problem, often hindering doctors from administering antibiotics or even performing a liver transplant in time. Researchers at ISAS led by Prof Dr Matthias Gunzer therefore investigated the question: Could the mobility of certain immune cells be the decisive indicator of an impending deterioration in health?

20th February 2024

SARS-CoV-2: The Very Latest Methods Clarify the Active Agents and the Mechanism of Action of Ancient Self-Medications

Prophylactic, soothing or even healing agents, mostly natural substances, have been known to natural medicine since ancient times. But what about viral infections? Could infusions made from sage or perilla also be used against SARS-CoV-2 infections -as a prevention or an aid to healing? An interdisciplinary team of researchers led by Prof Dr Mirko Trilling from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) and scientists at ISAS investigated these questions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Das Bild zeigt Prof. Dr. Mirko Trilling mit verschränkten Armen, an einer Wand lehnend. The picture shows Prof Dr Mirko Trilling with his arms folded, leaning against a wall.
21st December 2023

Science Slam: Humorous Science Communication Is Fun for Everyone

Talking lab equipment, artificial intelligence and expertise from the North Pole - this colourful mix of topics characterised the latest Science Slam at the institute. Four ISAS employees demonstrated with their specialist knowledge and plenty of humour how science communication can be fun for everyone involved.

Luisa Becher fotografiert die vier Teilnehmenden des ISAS Science Slam.
23rd September 2022

Hand in Hand for Successful Publications

Dr Rita Strack revealed the secret of successful publications during her talk at ISAS. Even for established scientists, much of what the Nature Methods senior editor revealed in Dortmund was new.

Group photo visit of Dr Strack.

Team

Prof. Dr. Matthias Gunzer

Department Head

Department: Biospectroscopy

Research group: Biofluorescence

Portrait von Prof. Dr.  Matthias Gunzer.

Susmita Ghosh

Research Associate

Department: Biospectroscopy

Research group: Biofluorescence

Portrait von  Susmita Ghosh.

Kathrin Krieger

Research Associate

Department: Biospectroscopy

Research group: Biofluorescence

Portrait von  Kathrin Krieger.

Dr. Daniela Mittermüller

Research Associate

Department: Biospectroscopy

Research group: Biofluorescence

Portrait von  Daniela Mittermüller.

Syed Bilal Salim

Student Assistant

Department: Biospectroscopy

Research group: Biofluorescence