Research Training Group 1949 Immune Response in Infectious Diseases – Regulation between Innate and Adaptive Immunity

Infectious diseases are worldwide among the ten leading causes of mortality. Despite intensive research efforts effective therapies or prophylactic vaccines are available only for a limited number of pathogens. A detailed understanding of the pathomechanisms of infectious diseases is most important for the development of future therapeutic interventions. Traditionally, the host response to pathogens is divided into the innate and the adaptive immune response.

To date, research with a specific focus on the interaction between innate and adaptive immunity is still underrepresented. The scientific goal of the proposed Research Training Group (RTG) is to fill this gap by bringing together highly qualified researchers working on different aspects of the immune response in various infectious diseases or in vaccine development against pathogens. The mutual scientific question is: How is the adaptive immune response against pathogens modulated by the innate immune response, and how does the adaptive immune response influence innate immunity? The educational goal of the RTG is the training of excellent young researchers in infection and immunity. To support this effort, the RTG will provide and coordinate a structured 1-year program for MD students, and a regular 3-year PhD or MD/PhD program for young scientists from both natural sciences and medicine. Located in the Rhine-Ruhr Area, this RTG links the knowledge of distinguished scientists at the Universities of Bochum, Duisburg-Essen and Düsseldorf. This training will ensure long-term progress in this important research field in the Rhine-Ruhr Area and provide the PhD students with fundamental education in the science of infection and immunity.