Andreas Hutloff

“Normally, the immune system reliably protects us from infectious diseases. In doing so, two cell types are particularly important: T cells and B cells. B cells form protective antibodies, on which the principle of immunisations is also based. In order to form antibodies, they require the assistance of what are known as T follicular helper cells. Using mice as models, we are examining how the T cells and B cells interact at cellular and molecular level. This helps with the development of new treatments that influence immune responses in a targeted manner. The objective is, on the one hand, to improve immunisations and, on the other hand, to control excessive immune reactions. This type of overreaction by the immune system can lead to allergies or autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis.”