C06

The liver plays a central role in the pathogenesis of live-threatening sepsis. Cross talk between parenchymal and immune cells, primarily tissue-resident macrophages (Kupffer cells) and infiltrating neutrophils has long been recognized as a key event in infection-driven liver dysfunction. Aims of this project comprise the investigation of the dynamic immune cell composition in sepsis and the inhibition of the recruitment of inflammatory cells. Using advanced lineage tracing technologies targeting specific macrophage populations, the ontogenetical and functional heterogeneity of liver macrophages in steady state and sepsis will be unraveled. Novel tailor-made biodegradable nanoparticles targeting hepatocytes and macrophages will allow the modification of chemotactic factors like Cxcl-2 by CRISPR/Cas.