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How cells understand each other: Prof. Dr. Mareike Lehmann, Principal investigator at LOEWE-HABITAT, researches cell communication in DFG project HetCCI
As part of the interdisciplinary DFG priority program “HetCCI”, four teams at the University of Marburg are researching communication between different cell types in epithelial tissues from development to age-related diseases.
Prof. Dr. Mareike Lehmann, Principal investigator of Lung Research at LOEWE-HABITAT and Associate Principal Investigator at LOEWE-Diffusible Signals, is investigating the interactions between immune and epithelial cells in the project. Her research sheds light on how communication between T cells and lung epithelial cells changes with age and how these disturbances can lead to chronic diseases such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis. The aim is to identify new molecular target structures in order to specifically promote lung regeneration in the aged organism. Together with her team and in close cooperation with the Helmholtz Center Munich, she is developing innovative approaches to treat age-related lung diseases more effectively.
Prof. Lehmann's research is particularly relevant in the context of the LOEWE project HABITAT - Health Affected by Climate Change + Air Pollution - Pathophysiology and Regional Management. Together with her research partners, she is helping not only to elucidate the pathophysiology of age-related lung diseases, but also to develop digital early warning systems and regional care strategies to effectively reduce the burden of climate-related health events.