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Scientist at sterile bench

Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation²

Immunology as a key to better health

ImmunoSensation2 is a Cluster of Excellence funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). We are dedicated to the study of innate immunity beyond the boundaries of classical immunology. We adress the immune system as a sensory organ for health, which we term the immune sensory system. We are immunologists, neurobiologists, systems biologists, biochemists, biophysicists and mathematicians from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Bonn and the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) of the Helmholtz Association.

Founded in 2012, ImmunoSensation2 is currently in its eleventh year of funding. We continue to pursue our mission of innovative science in immunology. Further, we link immunology to other systems, such as the metabolic system and the nervous system. Ultimately, we want to better understand the intimate connection between the immune sensory system and human health and disease.

News

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Publication

Beethoven’s genome offers clues to composer’s health and family history

—Ludwig van Beethoven’s genome has been sequenced for the first time by an international team of scientists with the participation of ImmunoSensation² member Prof. Markus Nöthen at the University of Bonn, using five genetically matching locks of the well-known composer’s hair.
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News_Latz_03.2023

Publication

Loss of mitochondrial integrity induces inflammasome activation

—The recognition of pathogens and sterile damage may result in pyroptotic cell death and inflammation. This is brought about by the formation of protein complexes called inflammasomes. ImmunoSensation² speaker Prof. Eicke Latz and his team at the University of Bonn, together with colleagues from the University of Singapore, now revealed a new function for the inflammasome component NLRP10. The sensor warns of damage to the mitochondria. If it does not function properly, chronic skin diseases can result. The results have now been published in the journal Nature Immunology.
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News_Schlee_03.2023

Hyper-Susceptibility to viral infections in patients with inactive TBK1

—The enzyme TBK1 is an important component of the innate immune system that plays an critical role in the defense against viruses. Upon mutation-induced loss of TBK1 function, patients show an increased susceptibility to viral infections. Strikingly, if TBK1 is not expressed at all, this clinical effect is not seen. The mechanism behind this supposed discrepancy has now been elucidated by researchers led by ImmunoSensation² member Prof. Martin Schlee of the University Hospital Bonn. The corresponding study was published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology.
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News overview

Upcoming events

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Featured Online

ONLINE Cluster Lecture Series

Fingerprinting the tumor microenvironment in NSCLC with focus on neutrophils and endothelial cells (Prof. Dr. Andreas Pircher)

Poster Science Communication Worskhop Series

Featured On-site

Science Communication - Workshop Series

Lehrgebäude (A10)
Venusberg-Campus 1
University Hospital Bonn

The Science Communication Workshop Series goes into another round. Again we offer ImmunoSensation scientists the possibility to improve their communcation skills. This round, the speakers training and video workshop is complemented by a seminar on writing for the public. Regsitration is open now!

Poster_BioMathematics Conference 2023
© Sabrina Fuchs

Featured On-site

Bonn Conference on Mathematical Life Sciences

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Wissenschaftszentrum Bonn
Ahrstr. 45
53175 Bonn
Germany

Mathematical modelling and analysis are nowadays essential for all fields of the life sciences, ranging from basic research to clinical application. To discuss the state of the field and potential future development, please join us in Bonn.

Events overview