Adaptive Immune Regulation – AG Brocker

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) modulate immune responses, although there is still little direct evidence in vivo for such a mechanism. We develop novel methods and reagents to analyze cells associated with EVs in infected mice and humans. We focus on effector T cells and other PBMC which strongly bind Evs and study the capacities of EVs to drive T-cell-fate decisions.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a plasma membrane component actively retained at the inner membrane surface in living cells. PS retention stops, for example, during cell death or when cells release PS-containing microparticles. Then PS relocates to the outer layer of the cell membrane, where it can interact with extracellular proteins. PS causes thrombin formation, coagulation, activation of the complement system, and inflammation. We study the contribution of these processes to inflammation, immunity, and pathology.

We exploit novel recombinant molecules specific for dying cells, microparticles, extracellular vesicles, and platelets to develop tools for R&D, diagnosis, and experimental therapy of cancer, autoimmunity, and vaccination.