3D Infect – Immunology Training Course
This week, the Beilhack Lab conducted an intensive training course in immunology for the trainees of our DFG research training group RTG2157 “3D Infect”.
Graduate students of RTG2157 3D Infect at Würzburg University advance and employ 3D human tissue models to investigate host-pathogen interactions. The purpose of these models is to reflect the natural infection site in humans to elucidate the molecular and mechanistic basis for interactions between host and microbes. This week, the Beilhack lab offered an intensive training course in immunology. The course addressed concepts in immunology and immunological methods with an emphasis on multicolor flow cytometry. Katja Ottmüller, Tim Steinfatt and Julia Hartweg provided not only theoretical background to the members of the RTG2157 but also hands-on training in laboratory techniques and in-depth data analysis.
Infectious diseases remain one of the leading causes of death. A clear limitation of studying human pathogens is the lack of relevant infection models. This is particularly true for human pathogens for which no animal reservoir is known. Since simple cell lines, cell culture systems or animals are highly artificial models for human pathogens, the members of the DFG research training group RTG2157 3D Infect aims to develop and apply novel human 3D infection models based on engineered human tissues. In a joint project with the group of Prof. Markus Sauer, the Beilhack lab actively participates in this endeavor. The study of host-pathogen interactions is also in the Beilhack lab’s focus in the interdisciplinary DFG research consortium TRR124 FungiNet and in collaborations within the Center for Infectious Diseases (ZINF) at Würzburg University and with the new Helmholtz Center for RNA-based Infectious Research in Würzburg.