Cell physiology of dendritic and mast cells

Our main focus is to study physiology of the cells belonging to immune system, such as mast and dendritic cells. Mast cells are the main players in allergic reactions of the immediate type, including allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma and anaphylaxis. Dendritic cells are antigen-presenting cells, central for the development of optimal T cell immunity, that are able to initiate primary immune responses and to establish immunological memory. Specifically, our group investigates ion channels that modulate cell responses and participate in signaling processes. Thus, stimulation of mast cells by antigen is followed by opening of K+ and Ca2+ channels, which participate in the orchestration leading to mast cell degranulation. Upon degranulation mast cells release active mediators, including histamine, some specific proteases, cytokines and signal to other inflammatory cells such as neutrophils and T cells. In dendritic cells stimulation of Toll-like receptors by microbial products leads to cell maturation and production of proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines and in all these processes ion channels play a pivotal role. We learn about signaling controling the activity of ion channels, especially signaling downstream of phosphoinositide 3 kinase, which generates 3'-phosphoinositides, important lipid second messangers. We are a young, international and enthousiastic group.

Dr. Ekaterina Shumilina (Group leader)

Leonid Tyan (PhD student)	Evi Schmid (PhD student)
Wenting Yang (PhD student)	Meerim Nurbaeva (PhD student)
Kalina Szteyn (PhD student)