The German Research Foundation (DFG) has established a new research group at the University of Bonn. Titled “MagNet: Macrophage Niche Network Dynamics,” the group is dedicated to systematically studying macrophages — specialized immune cells that play a central role in tissue development and function. The spokesperson for the research unit is Prof. Dr. Elvira Mass from the University of Bonn, supported by co-spokesperson Prof. Dr. Falk Nimmerjahn from Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).

Macrophages, also known as “big eaters” are immune cells found in every organ of the body. While previous research has focused on their role in immune defense and inflammation, the new “MagNet” research unit aims to explore how macrophages act as “choreographers” of tissue development and function. Macrophages also play a key role in tissue development, regeneration, and repair. However, a systematic investigation of these fundamental functions has been lacking.

Using cutting-edge methods such as single-cell analysis, imaging, and computational modeling, Prof. Elvira Mass and her team at the LIMES Institute of the University of Bonn will study how macrophages interact with the cells in their immediate surroundings — their so-called “niche network” — to ensure organ functionality. The researchers aim to decipher both general and tissue-specific communication processes.

“A detailed understanding of how macrophages communicate with other cells to ensure organ function could ultimately help develop new therapies for diseases involving tissue damage or dysfunction,” explains Prof. Dr. Elvira Mass, who is also the spokesperson for the Transdisciplinary Research Area ‘Life and Health’ and a board member of the ImmunoSensation Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bonn. This research is particularly relevant for conditions such as chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and degenerative disorders.

The research unit includes scientists from the fields of cell biology, developmental immunology, and systems biology at the University of Bonn, FAU, as well as the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and the University of Freiburg.

Further Information on RU5775 “MagNet: Macrophage Niche Network Dynamics”: 
https://macrophagenetwork.com/

Contact
Prof. Dr. Elvira Mass
LIMES-Institut, Universität Bonn
E-Mail: elvira.mass@uni-bonn.de