FORTSCHRITTSBERICHT JAHR 2006 - Helmholtz-Zentrum für ...

Entwicklungen auf Zentrumsebene
RG Cellular Proteomics
Head: Dr. Lothar Jänsch
Using Listeria monocytogenes as a model system for bacterial pathogens, an interdisciplinary
approach of proteome research, genomics and bioinformatics is used to define the interactions
between Listeria monocytogenes and its host cells at the molecular level. This includes protein
interaction- and signalling-studies of virulence factors as well as a search for hitherto
uncharacterised proteins directly involved in the infection cycle.
JRG Immunodynamics (ID)
Head: Dr. Matthias Gunzer
The group addresses the cellular dynamics of immunological processes. The ultimate goal is
to visualise living immune cells within their natural environment. On the one hand this means
all the processes of communication between antigen presenting cells and naive T cells during
the induction phase of a cellular immune response within lymphatic tissues. On the other hand
the group aims to visualise the activity of immune cells during the defence against an infection
or tumor immune surveillance and rejection. By visualising these events in vivo, the research
group intends to understand the normal cellular dynamics of immunological processes
as well as their alteration in the case of infection and disease.
JRG Conformational Protein-Ligand Interactions (KPLI)
Head: PD Dr. Jutta Eichler
The research focus in this group is on the development and implementation of a general strategy
for the inhibition of protein-ligand interactions through synthetic molecules mimicking
conformationally defined protein binding sites. The synthesis concept for such inhibitors involves
“rational design”, based on the known structure of the protein binding sites, in conjunction
with the use of scaffolded or assembled peptides as binding site mimetics. Current
projects aim at mimicking the binding site of the transmembrane receptor gp130 for viral interleukin-6,
the CD4 binding site of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120, as well as the
binding site of the Spike protein of SARS CoV for its cellular receptor ACE2.
JRG Chronic Pseudomonas diseases (CPI)
Head: PD Dr. Susanne Häußler
Pseudomonas aeruginosa has emerged as a major human opportunistic pathogen and represents
a significant source for life-threatening nosocomial infections. The group studies the
molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial adaptation processes to a chronic, persistent state
of infection. In this context the group is working on the molecular mechanisms responsible
for the switch from planctonic growth to a biofilm phenotype, on the role of interbacterial
communication in persistent disease, and on the optimization and establishment of new methods
in the microbiological diagnostics of CF specimens.
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