The field of immunology is pivotal in understanding how our bodies defend against pathogens and tumours. At its core, immunology studies the complex interactions and signalling pathways between immune cells that drive these defence mechanisms. Chemokines, a subset of signalling proteins, play a critical role in guiding immune cells to sites of infection or injury. Understanding how these signals work is essential for developing new therapies for a range of diseases, including infections and cancer.

Christian Kurts’ Laboratory at the University of Bonn – Research Focus

We are proud to feature the groundbreaking work of Prof. Dr. Christian Kurts and his esteemed research team from the Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology at the University of Bonn. Their dedication to advancing our understanding of immune cell communication has led to significant contributions in the field, particularly in how chemokines influence immune responses.

How does chemokine communication shape immune responses? Insight from Dr. Kurts’ lab.

Prof. Dr. Kurts and his team have recently published an innovative study titled “Dual fluorescence reporter mice for Ccl3 transcription, translation, and intercellular communication“; in the Journal of Experimental Medicine. This research leverages genetically engineered mouse models to study the chemokine Ccl3, which is crucial in immune cell signaling.

Until now, it was thought that certain macrophages, cells which colonize all organs as immune guardians, produce Ccl3 to attract antiviral immune cells; says Prof. Dr. Kurts.

Using these CCL3-EASER (ErAse, SEnd, Receive) mice, the team can now simultaneously observe Ccl3 transcription and translation, identify cells that sense Ccl3 and selectively delete Ccl3-producing cells. This comprehensive approach provides unprecedented insights into the role of Ccl3 in immune responses.

The implication of this paper lies in its novel approach to studying chemokine signalling in vivo. The research reveals that Natural Killer (NK) cells not only produce Ccl3 but also respond to it, suggesting an auto/paracrine communication mechanism. This discovery is crucial for understanding how NK cells amplify their response during infections, particularly against murine cytomegalovirus (mCMV).

By demonstrating that Ccl3 production in NK cells requires type I interferon signalling during early infection, the study provides a deeper understanding of immune cell regulation and potential therapeutic targets. The CCL3-EASER mouse model represents a new class of dual fluorescence reporter mice that can be applied to study other chemokines and disease models, making it a valuable tool for future research.

A new era in immunological research

Prof. Dr. Kurts and his team’s pioneering research not only advances our knowledge of chemokine-mediated immune cell communication but also opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions in immune-related diseases. Their work exemplifies the innovative spirit and dedication needed to push the boundaries of immunology. We are honoured to highlight their achievements and look forward to seeing the continued impact of their research on the scientific community.

For more detailed information, you can access the publication here.

For information on Ozgene mouse models, visit Ozgene services.