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Revolutionary research: Erlangen fights against autoimmune diseases!
The FAU in Erlangen receives DFG funding for research into autoimmune diseases and stem cell transplantation through the new SFB 1755.
Revolutionary research: Erlangen fights against autoimmune diseases!
An exciting development in medical research is causing a stir in Erlangen: The German Research Foundation (DFG) is supporting a new collaborative research center at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg. The Collaborative Research Center 1755 is entitled “Cellular and Systems Control of Autoimmune Disease” (CASCAID) and has set itself the goal of developing strategies for sustainable, drug-free remission in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. That's what she reports UK Erlangen.
These diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, involve recurring patterns of inflammation that can cause great harm to the patient. According to the spokesman for the SFB, Prof. Dr. Georg Schett, the project aims to identify and better understand miscontrolled immune cell networks. Although current therapies offer control of inflammation, they do not succeed in permanently curing the disease.
Results from stem cell research
In addition to the funding of the SFB, a third funding period of Transregio 221 (TRR 221) was also approved, which aims to improve the understanding of the immune reactions after an allogeneic stem cell transplant. The site spokesman for Erlangen, Prof. Dr. Andreas Mackensen, emphasizes that innovative therapeutic approaches are being pursued here that are intended to increase the safety and effectiveness of these treatments. The DFG promotes collaboration between FAU, the University of Regensburg and the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg in order to advance advances in transplantation medicine, as stated at the UK Erlangen is to be read.
These advances are particularly important for patients struggling with the challenges of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). After a stem cell transplant, various symptoms can occur, which vary depending on the organ affected. The most common complaints include inflammatory reactions, skin rashes and digestive tract disorders caused by an acute or chronic form of GVHD. Information on this can be found comprehensively in the article DZI Erlangen.
A challenge for research
Chronic GvHD manifests itself in symptoms such as shortness of breath and joint problems, which often make it difficult for those affected to cope with their everyday lives. Regular monitoring after a transplant is essential in order to be able to react early to changes in health status. Patients are advised to closely monitor symptoms for self-examination, such as changes in the skin or discomfort in the mouth and intestines.
Healthcare professionals have a variety of approaches available to treat GVHD, including innovative therapies such as CAR-T cells and the use of various medications. However, these approaches only form part of a comprehensive therapy concept whose long-term goal is to significantly improve the patient's quality of life. This also includes intensive research into the clinical aspects, which is driven forward by the basic work of the SFB and the work of TRR 221.
The new research funding clearly shows that the scientists in Erlangen have a good hand for the medicine of the future. It remains to be seen what groundbreaking findings the coming years will bring.