Martin Oberbarnscheidt, MD, PhD

Innate Allorecognition in Transplantation

My research interests are focused on transplantation and basic immunology. Currently, the first steps of allorecognition of transplanted tissue by innate immune cells are being investigated. Studies have shown that monocytes recognize allogeneic non-self and differentiate into dendritic cells. My research focuses on defining the mechanism of allorecognition by monocytes and the role of monocytes in acute and chronic rejection responses. Transgenic mouse models and intravital multiphoton imaging are employed to answer these questions.

Renal DC network

The mammalian kidney has an extensive network of mononuclear phagocytes whose function is not fully understood. We have shown that CX3CR1⁺ dendritic cells encase the microvasculature in the renal cortex, extend dendrites into the post-capillary venules and capture antigens from the blood. Two-photon intravital microscopy is used to study cell-cell interactions and morphology of renal DC in different disease models.

Oberbarnscheidt Team:

Karim Yatim, MD