Experimental Allergology and Immunological Intolerance (Raker Lab)
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Verena K. Raker
Prof. Raker studied biology at Johannes Gutenberg 伟德国际_伟德国际1946$娱乐app游戏 in Mainz and completed her doctorate on regulatory T cells in allergen-specific immunotherapy. She habilitated in 2020 on “Immune regulatory mechanisms in autoimmunity and allergy” at the Department of Dermatology in Mainz. Prof. Raker's group focuses on monocytic cells and investigates how oxidative stress and other stress signals contribute to autoimmune and allergic diseases. Since 2019, her group in Münster has been researching innate immune responses in systemic sclerosis and thrombosis. Prof. Raker also operates a humanized mouse model (at the Münster site) in which human immune cells can be studied preclinically in living organisms. Her research professorship “Experimental Allergology and Immunological Intolerance” at the Augsburg site focuses on cell interactions and cell death signaling pathways in allergic diseases and autoimmune skin diseases. She is a member of the German Dermatological Research Working Group (ADF) of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR).?
Research focus
The Raker lab studies cells of monocytic origin. The scientists are investigating how monocytes are recruited into tissue and ultimately differentiate further. Monocytes are the shape-shifters of immunology with a broad spectrum of possibilities. They can differentiate into various phagocytes such as macrophages or dendritic cells or act as immunomodulators themselves. Due to their versatile function, monocytes are often found as initiators of chronic inflammation, allergy and autoimmunity.?
The group investigates how recruitment, conversion and differentiation of monocytes can be modulated. They use cell culture models for various immune dermatoses (e.g. scleroderma) and also the examination of sample material from the corresponding patients. The use of a humanized mouse model enables the scientists to test potential intervention strategies on human immune cells. ?The Raker lab maintains close cooperation with the Rongvaux/MISTRG Lab at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, the DKFZ, labs in Tübingen and the UK Münster. ?
Early inflammatory processes in systemic sclerosis
Systemic fibrosis is a rare autoimmune disease in which there is an inflammatory change in the blood vessels and increased collagen production with subsequent hardening of the connective tissue. Advanced fibrosis is irreversible and difficult to treat.
The mechanisms in the early phase of scleroderma, particularly with regard to the inflammatory reactions involved, have so far been insufficiently investigated. The Raker lab analyzes immune processes involved in experimental models of scleroderma with a focus on the mechanisms in the early innate phase of the disease.?
They are particularly interested in how inflamed tissue, e.g. in the vessel, can drive chronic processes and ultimately autoimmunity via the release of self-DNA/RNA. What processes play a role in the recognition of self-DNA/RNA in scleroderma, for example, and how can this be addressed therapeutically?
Platelets and monocytes as regulators of autoimmunity and allergy
The role of platelets and the coagulation cascade in allergies and autoimmunity is also being investigated. Monocytes as shape-shifters of the immune system adapt completely to the circumstances to which they are exposed. Previously recognized only as blood precursors of DCs or macrophages, it has now been discovered that monocytes themselves can assume diverse regulatory functions and act in tissues. ?
Researchers investigate the influence of coagulation factors and coagulation proteases on the differentiation of monocytes into dendritic cells and macrophages. Insights into relevant vascular and immunological mechanisms and involved cell populations/target structures could contribute to the development of more effective strategies for the treatment of e.g. autoimmune dermatoses with vascular-inflammatory clinical pictures.
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