Katharina Lahl

Project summary

Dendritic cells in viral infections

Katharina Lahl studies how dendritic cells function when the mucous membranes of the intestine and lungs are exposed to infections. The aim is to understand how the mucosal immune system recognises foreign substances and how this influences the immune response.

 

Katharina Lahl investigates how the mucosal immune system in the intestine and lungs recognises foreign substances and how this affects the immune response. Foreign substances – including infectious agents and allergens, as well as components of food and the natural microbiota – can activate the mucosal immune system.

 

In her research, Lahl examines the characteristics of dendritic cells in mucosal tissues and how they initiate the body’s production of antibodies that protect us against infections. Dendritic cells are responsible for presenting foreign substances in the body to other immune cells, thereby activating the immune response.

 

The findings from these studies may contribute to a better understanding of allergic diseases and how vaccines work.