About us
Our group performs research at the crossroads of immunology and vascular biology. A major focus of our research lies on investigating inflammation-induced changes of lymphatic vessels and their impact on leukocyte migration. Furthermore, we are investigating how chronic inflammation affects lymphatic vessel function and the induction of adaptive immunity in draining lymph nodes. An important goal of our research is to identify and validate new molecules, which could serve as therapeutic targets to modulate immune responses.
Close-up view of a mouse ear. The blue substance is an injected dye that is absorbed and drained by lymphatic vessels. The red structures are blood vessels.
Immunofluorescence staining of lymphatic capillaries in a murine ear skin whole mount
In vitro tube-like structures formed by lymphatic endothelial cells in a collagen matrix
Image from an in vitro flow chamber experiment showing DCs (green) crawling on lymphatic endothelial cells
A collecting lymphatic vessel in the murine ear skin visualized by staining for podoplanin (green) and smooth muscle actin (red)
Image from an in vitro flow chamber experiment showing DCs (green) crawling on lymphatic endothelial cells