Ulrike Schleicher

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Research area:

Leshmania – L-arginine metabolism – innate lymphoid cells – eosinophils – DC subpopulations – fibroblasts

The Bogdan/Schleicher group investigates the immune response in infections with the protozoan parasite Leishmania. Studying mouse models of self healing and chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis and visceral leishmaniasis they aim to elucidate micro-milieu factors as well as cellular, metabolic and molecular mechanisms leading to parasite control, inducing and maintaining inflammatory pathology at the site of infection (skin) and in visceral organs and allowing for parasite persistence. Important findings of this basic research are analyzed and reevaluated for the human disease. Overall goal of the research in the long run is the discovery of novel therapeutic intervention strategies that can be offered to leishmaniasis patients. Current projects focus on the L-arginine metabolism and the role of innate lymphoid cells, eosinophils, dendritic cell subpopulations and fibroblasts during the immune response in the different forms of leishmaniasis.