Workgroup “Cell Biology of the Immune System”

Summary

The immune system relies on a diverse network of specialized cells that detect and respond to damage and pathogen associated molecular patterns. The effective response to these internal and external signals allow damage clearance while maintaining tissue homeostasis. At the core of immune function are innate immune cells (e.g., dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils), which provide rapid, nonspecific defense, and adaptive immune cells (T and B lymphocytes) that enable antigen-specific immune responses, and long-term immunity. The cytoskeleton, organelles, and intracellular signaling pathways orchestrate essential immune processes, including cell migration, antigen presentation, phagocytosis, and cytokine secretion. Unraveling the cellular mechanisms that regulate immune responses will provide critical insights into disease pathogenesis and pave the way to novel therapeutic strategies to treat conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiencies.