RTG 288: Structures and Mediators of the Interaction of Cells

It is the aim of the research training group to encourage bonds of cooperation in molecular biology and medical research and to promote interdisciplinary collaboration thus to improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of inflammatory, allergic and repair processes. The college focuses on three major projects: A) the biophysical and immunological characterization of bacterial lipopolysaccharides, B) the elucidation of signal transduction pathways involved in the action of chemokines, proinflammatory cytokines and antigens and their interaction with T-helper and T-killer cells, and C) clinical studies of mechanisms of allergic reactions and maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Students of natural sciences will acquire theoretical knowledge and experimental experience in molecular and cellular reactions underlying diseases. This will qualify the participants for positions in biomedical research. In turn, physicians participating in the program will be enabled to improve their knowledge of molecular pathogenetic mechanisms of diseases and may succeed in developing novel therapeutic concepts for treatment of chronic inflammatory and degenerative disorders.