Project B03 - Role of thrombospondins for leukocyte trafficking to inflamed tissue
In this project, we will elucidate the role of thrombospondins (TSPs) for myeloid leukocyte trafficking to inflamed tissue. To this end, we will first define the interactome of these matricellular proteins by mass spectrometry. Subsequently, we will employ advanced in vitro/ex vivo assays and in vivo microscopy techniques to characterize the effect of TSPs on intravascular interactions as well as on the extravascular locomotion of neutrophils and monocytes. Finally, we will use genetically altered mice to evaluate the functional relevance of TSPs for the trafficking of these immune cells in experimental sepsis.