Interplay of the impaired tight junction and the subjacent immune cells in IBD
Project Summary
Impairment of tight junctions (TJs) is associated with increased luminal antigen uptake, which promotes inflammatory processes in inflammatory bowel disease. We hypothesize that, in particular, the tricellular tight junction (tTJ) plays a critical role in this process as well as in the activation of immune cells. Therefore, we will analyze the effects and interactions between the (t)TJ and immune cells during the development of intestinal inflammation. Elucidating these regulatory pathways will help identify potential intervention targets that could be used to develop strategies for stabilizing the (t)TJ barrier. Such strategies aim to prevent antigen entry and sustain inflammation, thereby protecting against the onset of IBD.
Selected project-relevant publications
Krug SM, Grünhagen C, Allers K, Bojarski C, Seybold J, Schneider T, Schulzke JD, Epple HJ.
Macromolecule Translocation across the Intestinal Mucosa of HIV-Infected Patients by Transcytosis and through Apoptotic Leaks.
Cells. 2023 Jul 18;12(14):1887. doi: 10.3390/cells12141887. PMID: 37508551; PMCID: PMC10378197.
Wittner L, Wagener L, Wiese JJ, Stolzer I, Krug SM, Naschberger E, Jackstadt R, Beyaert R, Atreya R, Kühl AA, Sturm G, Gonzalez-Acera M, Patankar JV, Becker C, Siegmund B, Trajanoski Z, Winner B, Neurath MF, Schumann M, Günther C.
Proteolytic Activity of the Paracaspase MALT1 Is Involved in Epithelial Restitution and Mucosal Healing.
Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Apr 17;24(8):7402. doi: 10.3390/ijms24087402. PMID: 37108564; PMCID: PMC10138456.
Schneemann M, Heils L, Moos V, Weiß F, Krug SM, Weiner J, Beule D, Gerhard R, Schulzke JD, Bücker R.
A Colonic Organoid Model Challenged with the Large Toxins of Clostridioides difficile TcdA and TcdB Exhibit Deregulated Tight Junction Proteins.
Toxins (Basel). 2023 Nov 4;15(11):643. doi: 10.3390/toxins15110643. PMID: 37999506; PMCID: PMC10674794.
Friebel J, Schinnerling K, Weigt K, Heldt C, Fromm A, Bojarski C, Siegmund B, Epple HJ, Kikhney J, Moter A, Schneider T, Schulzke JD, Moos V, Schumann M.
Uptake of Tropheryma whipplei by Intestinal Epithelia.
Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 24;24(7):6197. doi: 10.3390/ijms24076197. PMID: 37047170; PMCID: PMC10094206.
Weiß F, Czichos C, Knobe L, Voges L, Bojarski C, Michel G, Fromm M, Krug SM.
MarvelD3 Is Upregulated in Ulcerative Colitis and Has Attenuating Effects during Colitis Indirectly Stabilizing the Intestinal Barrier.
Cells. 2022 May 4;11(9):1541. doi: 10.3390/cells11091541. PMID: 35563847; PMCID: PMC9102383.