Genetic constitution, epigenetics (for example, chromatin modifications) and environmental factors (viral and bacterial infections, smoke exposure) play a role in different asthma phenotypes and affect clinical course, severity and treatment response.

Genetic susceptibility and epigenetic signatures related to specific asthma phenotypes will be identified. Impact of microbial and viral exposure in relation to genetic and epigenetic factors will be studied to develop knowledge and tools for future prevention and treatment of specific asthma phenotypes.

Genome-wide analysis of immune genes and the replication of results were initiated in the end of 2012.

Scientific Head:

Prof. Dr. Michael Kabesch

Cooperating Partners within the DZL: Airway Research Center North (ARCN),
Biomedical Research in Endstage And ObsTructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Translational Lung Research Centre Heidelberg (TLRC-H)