Archaeome - immune system interactions

The human body is home to countless microorganisms - bacteria, fungi, viruses, and also archaea. Together, they form the microbiome, which is of central importance to our health. Many diseases, such as those affecting the digestive or immune systems, are associated with changes in the microbiome. While bacteria have long been the focus of research, we still know very little about archaea, even though they are commonly found in the human gut. Archaea are not bacteria, but a unique life form with extraordinary properties: they have a different cell structure, use different metabolic pathways, and react differently to their environment. Of particular interest are the so-called methanogenic archaea, which produce gases such as methane in the gut and utilize the degradation products of other microbes. In this way, they contribute to the stability and efficiency of the entire microbiome. Initial studies show that archaea can also influence the immune system. Certain species could reduce the risk of asthma. Previous work by the participating research groups has shown that human immune cells can recognize and respond to the RNA of archaea. However, it is still unknown exactly how archaea are taken up and processed by immune cells so that the RNA can activate the so-called TLR8/7 receptors. In this project, we want to understand why some archaea trigger strong immune responses, while others are barely noticed. To this end, we are investigating how differences in the cell walls of these microorganisms influence their uptake by immune cells and which receptors are involved in this process. We are also analyzing how archaea are processed inside cells after uptake, what role their symbiotic lifestyle with other microbes plays in this process, and whether this alters their immunogenic properties. This research provides new insights into the interaction between archaea and the human immune system. It can help us better understand the importance of these long-overlooked microorganisms for our health - and whether they can be used in the future to support the immune system or prevent disease. Prof. Holger Heine (Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Germany) and Prof. Christine Moissl- Eichinger (Medical University of Graz, Austria) are involved in this project.

No additional funding sources recorded.