Advanced Clinician Scientist-Programm 2019
Thema: "Alveolar homeostasis and the pathogenesis of viral-bacterial interference"
Zusammenfassung:
The influenza virus (IV) can cause severe epidemics, which result in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Beyond the virulence of the virus itself, epidemiological data suggest that bacterial superinfections are the major cause of high mortality rates. Among the bacteria that induce secondary pneumonia Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is highly important, as it has been frequently identified as being present during severe influenza seasons. S. aureus often only colonises the nasopharynx, but also has the potential to induce life-threatening infections that are mediated by multiple virulence factors, such as toxins. To investigate the cell processes between epithelial, endothelial and immune cells after IV/S. aureus co-infections, we have established a human alveolus model. The homeostasis of the alveolus is largely dependent on the pathogendependent virulence pattern and the host. Within the present application, a major focus is given over to the investigation of the viral-bacterial interference. We aim to investigate the impact of IV infection on the expression of S. aureus virulence factors and the alveolar homeostasis; in particular, the process that defend against the pathogens and maintain alveolar stability will be examined. For this, the impact of the infection on alveolar macrophages, pulmonary surfactant, barrier integrity and the cytosolic DNA-sensing pathways will be analysed.