CRC 265, Project B16: Analysis of humoral and cellular effector systems in xenotransplantation in the discordant small animal model guinea pig/rat.

Organ transplantation is a clinically broadly established therapy, although a number of insolved problems exist. Based on the clinical transplant programs of the Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH) the analysis of pathomechanisms and immune reactions after organ transplantation are the central topic of the collaborative research centre 265. Project area A focuses on the analysis of basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of T cell activation and interactions als well as on the molecular effects and side effects of immunosuppressive drugs. The projects in area B study mechanisms of rejections of allogenic and xenogenic organ grafts and develop various strategies for tolerance induction. Chronic graft dysfunction and recurrence of basic diseases after organ transplantation are in the center of project area C. The collarboative research centre consists of 14 projects and involves 12 departments of the MHH as well as two external institutes.