Host defence against pathogens requires extensive communication between innate and adaptive immune cells. A plethora of cytokines are produced by cells of the innate immune system upon encounter of pathogens or infected cells and drive the development and specification of adaptive immune cells.

Cytokines are essential components of our immune defence but also drive inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. A substantial fraction of cytokines engages receptors that are associated with members of the Janus kinase (JAK) family and signal through a class of proteins termed signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) for gene regulation.

We use multidisciplinary approaches to study JAK-STAT signaling networks in vivo and analyze molecular mechanisms of signal transduction and transcriptional control in primary cells. We employ mouse genetics, multi-color flow cytometry and imaging approaches to study how the loss of specific signaling components affects the local and systemic immune response to viral, bacterial and fungal infections and whether it protects from the development of inflammatory diseases.

In addition, we use biochemical and proteomic tools and next generation sequencing technologies to better undestand infection-induced changes in gene expression, chromatin structure and the proteome.

The Birgit Strobl lab is located at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. Our mission is to contribute to the understanding of how cellular signalling networks regulate the immune response to infection and how they balance pathogen elimination versus tissue destruction. Our team consists of wetlab and computational biologists and represents different nationalities and backgrounds. We believe that scientific success relies on collaborative teamwork and diversity, and we share our passion and dedication for scientific excellence.

Principle Investigator