T-cell – keratinocyte interactions as therapeutic targets in lichenoid and interphase dermatoses

Grantee: Georg Stary, Associate Professor, Medical University of Vienna

Amount: DKK 3,136,390

Grant category: Research Grants in open competition

Year: 2021

Geography: Austria

The aim of this project is to investigate the crosstalk between T-cells (TC) and keratinocytes (KC) and its role in two less explored inflammatory skin diseases, namely cutaneous lupus erythematosus and lichen planus. Specifically, the role of co-receptor stimulation or inhibition of T-cells will be investigated. 

The researchers hypothesize that skin diseases with prominent infiltration of pathogenic CD8+ T cells (cells that attack and kill other cells – including keratinocytes in autoimmune diseases) are related to an imbalance of activating and inhibitory signals on T cells determining the extent of the T-cell–keratinocyte (TC–KC) crosstalk. 

The team will investigate this using skin biopsies from patients to map TC–KC receptor-ligand interactions by single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. They will then assess the properties of candidate receptors and decipher their mechanism of action by immunofluorescent imaging. 

While inhibitory T-cell co-receptors are already targeted for cancer immunotherapy, their therapeutic potential in T-cell-driven inflammatory disorders remains to be established. This study may provide the rationale to design T-cell-targeting therapies in inflammation and is particularly strong with its basis on patient material. 

The LEO Foundation Award 2021 – Region EMEA

Grantee: Dr. Beate Lichtenberger, Assistant Professor, Medical University of Vienna

Amount: USD 100,000

Grant category: LEO Foundation Awards

Year: 2021

Geography: Austria

Dr. Beate Lichtenberger is Assistant Professor at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria.

She receives the award for her excellent research aimed at a better understanding of how fibroblasts affect skin cancer, skin regeneration and skin diseases like scleroderma and keloid scars.

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