TP B6: Development and characterization of a novel mouse model of systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease. Lung manifestation is one clinical hallmark of the disease, leading to pulmonary hypertension, which is often the cause of death in SSc patients. Recently, our cooperation partner Prof. Riemekasten demonstrated the in vivo pathogenicity of SSC antibodies specific for the angiotensin receptor-1 and the endothelia-receptor type A. 

Based on these novel findings we will in depth characterize and optimize this model. Furthermore we will establish an immunization-induced model of SSc to unravel the events leading to the formation of autoantibodies to angiotensin receptor-1 and endothelia-receptor type A.