DFG Research Training Group 2740 Immunomicrotope –

Welcome to the RTG2740!

The Research Training Group 2740 (“Graduiertenkolleg 2740”) which has started on January 1^st 2022, is a research consortium funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) that consists of 11 research groups focusing on the in situ analysis of micromilieu factors and metabolites in the context of microbial infections (“immunomicrotope”).

The immunomicrotope is constituted by the cellular and soluble components of the immune system at the local site of infection and by micromilieu factors and metabolites that originate from the host organism and/or the microbial pathogen. The immune system, the infectious pathogen, the micromilieu and the metabolism have a strong mutual influence on each other. Therefore, the research projects of the RTG2740 are primarily devoted to the investigation of either microenvironmental and tissue milieu factors (reserach area A “Micromilieu”) or of host and microbial metabolites (research area B “Metabolism”) to better understand the mechanisms of antimicrobial immune defense and/or pathogen survival.

The RTG 2740 provides 14 positions per cohort for doctoral candidates in natural science (Dr. rer. nat. candidates) and 4 positions per year for medicine (Dr. med. candidates). The structured training program of the RTG conveys the necessary theoretical knowledge, technical capabilities and general research skills to the doctoral candidates in order to allow for an efficient analysis of the “immunomicrotope” and a successful thesis work. Among other components, it consists of introductory lectures on infectious disease immunology, practical courses and workshops, guest seminars, a doctoral candidates´ jour fixe, an annual retreat, international laboratory exchanges, and participation in the institutional research meetings and journal clubs.

With the help of a thorough supervision strategy the RTG will promote and foster a professional and creative attitude amongst the doctoral candidates, characterized by enthusiasm for science, commitment to the project and the development of own scientific ideas and concepts.

NEWS

SAVE THE DATE: 09-11 April 2025, Erlangen

2^nd International Symposium “ImmunoMicroTope” 2025

Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Erlangen

University Hospital of Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg

The RTG 2740 offers 14 PhD positions (f/m/d) starting 01 January 2025

Application deadline: 31 August, 2024

Interviews: 01/02 October, 2024, in Erlangen

More information: How to apply – DFG Research Training Group 2740 Immunomicrotope –

Interested? – APPLY NOW: Stellenangebot – Karriere | Uniklinikum Erlangen (uk-erlangen.de)

(link flyer: Flyer RTG 2740-Application_2024_f)

Review Article and logo RTG2740 “ImmunoMicroTope” logo on the cover of the September ’24 issue of Trends in Parasitology

Recently, the group of Prof. Dr. Christian Bogdan has written a comprehensive review article on the immunomicrotope concept with a particular focus on cutaneous leishmaniasis. The paper has just been published in Trends in Parasitology and has been highlighted on the front page of the journal.

Prof. Dr. Aline Bozec receives W3 professorship and is new Head of Research at the Department of Internal Medicine 3

“I am thrilled to announce that I have been promoted to the position of W3 Professor in Experimental Immune Therapy at Friedrich-Alexander-Univeristy Erlangen-Nürnberg by Prof. Joachim Hornegger. My time at FAU has been nothing short of remarkable, surrounded by exceptional colleagues and collaborators who continuously inspire me.

Furthermore, Prof. Georg Schett asked me to take the Head of Research at the Department of Internal Medicine 3 – Rheumatology and Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen. It fills me with great pride to play a more substantial role in the advancement of this exceptional clinic department, and I am eager to contribute further to its development.”

PD Dr. Heiko Bruns honoured with PRO SCIENTIA-Award

The PRO SCIENTIA Prize – awarded by the Eckhart-Buddecke Foundation for the Promotion of Basic Medical Research in the amount of 10,000 euros – was awarded for the year 2021/2022 to PD Dr. rer. nat. Heiko Bruns (University Hospital Erlangen, Medical Clinic 5, Haematology and Internal Oncology) for the work “β2-microglobulin triggers NLRP3 inflammasome activation in tumour-associated macrophages to promote multiple myeloma progression”, Immunity, 2021; 54(8):1772-1787.

David Barinberg receives Roche lecture prize at 27^th Symposium on “Infection and Immune Defense” – Schloss Rothenfels, 2024

David Barinberg won the lecture prize sponsored by Roche at the 27^th Symposium on “Infection and Immune Defense” – Schloss Rothenfels (March 04-06, 2024) for his presentation on “IL-5 dependent systemic eosinophilia enables chronification of L. mexicana infection“.

RTG 2740 1^st International Symposium 2023

“ImmunoMicroTope”

June 28-30, 2023, Erlangen