Immunophysiology

Tissue-resident immune cells play key roles in organ physiology by their cross-talk with non-immune cells. Following their distribution within developing organs during a perinatal window or later during life, these resident immune cells acquire tissue-specific gene expression signatures and are primed for rapid local responses. Our lab has a strong interest in type 2 immune pathways, including ILC2s and epithelial tuft cells, and we explore the molecular mechanisms, which mediate critical sentinel function in detection of tissue perturbation, regulation of remodeling, and adaptation to dynamically changing environments.

• We aim to identify novel factors regulating tuft cell function, their roles in physiology, and the mechanisms of tissue remodeling during intestinal worm infection.
• We try to advance our understanding of the local tissue-immune cross-talk in the formation of distinct niches for tissue-resident immune cells during development, homeostasis, and during infection, with a particular focus on the lung and intestine.
• We investigate how dysregulation of these pathways contributes to allergic inflammation

To achieve these aims, we combine mouse models, in vitro organoid systems, and advanced analysis techniques.

Our laboratory is located on the UZH Irchel Campus, Building Y23, J-Floor.