Martin Oberbarnscheidt M.D., Ph.D.

Local immune responses in Transplantation

We are investigating the initial steps of allorecognition by monocytes, interaction of T cells with innate immune cells in the graft and the role of chronic inflammation resulting in local formation of ectopic tertiary lymphoid organs and their contribution to the rejection response. 

My NIH-funded lab is currently investigating factors governing the formation of TLO and characterizing the immune processes propagated locally therein, including T cell and B cell responses. The gaol of my research is to understand the factors contributing to sustained allorecognition, chronic rejection and organ failure in order to develop new strategies to improve allograft outcome and patient lives.

Renal DC network

The mammalian kidney has an extensive network of mononuclear phagocytes whose function is not fully understood. We have shown that CX3CR1+ dendritic cells encase the microvasculature in the renal cortex, extend dendrites into the post-capillary venules and capture antigens from the blood. Two-photon intravital microscopy is used to study cell-cell interactions and morphology of renal DC in different disease models.