Significance and Innovation
Our project is highly innovative and combines three research fields (i.e. immunology, virology and diabetology) in a single study. The role of VAT-inflammation in the development of glucose resistance was only recently established and the specific role of various immune cell subsets in disease progression is still incompletely characterized. Whether and how infection may impact the balance between pro– and anti-inflammatory cells in abdominal fat is completely unknown.
We consider our work of high significance because of its important clinical implications. Obesity-induced DM2 is one of the most pressing health issues of our time. Timely treatment of (pre-) diabetes is able to prevent or delay the onset of DM2-associated morbidities. However, unnecessary treatment increases risk of adverse effects and needlessly increases health costs. Therefore, it is important to characterize risk factors associated with DM2 disease-progression.
To accomplish our goals we apply well-established infrastructures. Our collaboration combines four groups, specialized on virology (RSM), immunology (RSM & LRI) and diabetology (MPI & CHC). Individually, these groups do not need to develop many new methods and techniques. Technological innovation comes from the application of our specialized techniques in a new field. Thus, by crossing the borders of our disciplines, we will advance diabetes research to a degree that mono-disciplinary groups cannot.