Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are characterised by a massive and uncontrolled infiltration of T cells into the gut. In these inflammatory processes, the Jak/Stat signalling pathway plays an important role. However, its role in the T cell compartment has not yet been fully elucidated, even though Jak inhibitors are already being used to treat IBD.

To address this, the scientists will investigate the role of Stat5 in the T cell compartment and analyse how the absence of Stat5 affects T cell differentiation and, in particular, the development, differentiation and function of so-called regulatory T cells.

Overall, this project aims to provide important new insights into T cell-dependent pathogenesis in IBD, which could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for optimised treatment in a long-term perspective.