Research focus
 

The research group "Inflammatory lung diseases in childhood" headed by Dr. Anna-Maria Dittrich investigates immunological mechanisms influencing inflammatory lung diseases in childhood. The focus is on inflammatory changes in bronchial asthma and cystic fibrosis. In both diseases, the patient's immune response plays a central role in disease progression. The overall goal of our projects is to find new approaches for anti-inflammatory therapies as well as targets for preventive measures for these diseases. 

By studying in vitro models, mouse models, and patient material we identify and characterize the immunological-inflammatory mechanisms that set central courses for the progression of inflammatory lung diseases. One focus is on the development and impact of allergic sensitization to classical and unconventional allergens, e.g. pathogens. A second focus is the investigation of the role of a specific cell type of the immune system, the so-called "innate lymphoid cells".

Methodologically, we work with complex flow cytometric staining, chip cytometry, histology, molecular biology and innovative biomathematical methods.  
Our research group is a member of the German Center for Lung Research for the disease areas asthma & allergy and cystic fibrosis. In the DZL, Dr. Dittrich is clinical site coordinator of the pediatric arm of the ALLIANCE cohort (All-Age-Asthma Cohort) led by Prof. Dr. Hansen, a multicenter cohort investigating bronchial asthma and principal investigator of several clinical trials for patients with cystic fibrosis.

Furthermore, we are involved in the DFG-funded priority program 1937 "innate lymphoid cells".