The role of miRNAs in the regulation of the generation and maintenance of skin resident memory T cells

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an inflammatory skin condition that is characterized by dry, scaly, and itchy skin.

An important part of the immune response to contact allergens is local memory, which is mediated through specialized cells called resident memory T (TRM) cells.

However, the mechanisms involved in the generation and maintenance of the allergen-induced TRM cells in the skin still need to be determined.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNA molecules that regulate the expression of a large number of genes on a post-transcriptional level.

This project aims to clarify what miRNAs are important for the generation and maintenance of epidermal TRM cells in a mouse model of ACD and patients with ACD.

In this current project, we plan to use state-of-the-art methods that have been unavailable to me previously, including NanoString and single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the miRNA and mRNA data together with functional assays to validate the findings from both mice and human data.

The current project will expand the knowledge of miRNA expression in ACD and thereby lead to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms and pathways that contribute to the development of ACD leading to possible new treatment strategies.

During this project, I will grow as an independent researcher as in my previous projects I focused on keratinocytes in the context of skin inflammation, and to establish a comprehensive understanding of skin diseases it would be essential to learn in deeper detail about the role of T cells in the context of skin.

Therefore this project would complement my current education and help me develop my career.

Under the guidance of prof Bonefeld, I would develop as an independent researcher and she would be a good female role model to an emerging young scientist.