Lung protection in severe pneumonia by means of Tie2 agonism
(Witzenrath / Weißmann)

In pneumonia, pathogen-host interaction may evoke endothelial activation, which substantially contributes to lung inflammation and barrier dysfunction, resulting in life-threatening lung oedema.

This project will evaluate the protective impact of Tie2 receptor agonism on pulmonary barrier function. We aim to

(I) understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of Tie2 activation in pneumonia;

(II) analyse the impact of Tie2 activation on endothelial and epithelial barrier dysfunction and inflammation in pneumonia evoked by different pathogens;

(III) test the therapeutic potential of Tie2 activation for lung barrier protection in clinically relevant models of pneumonia and mechanical ventilation (mouse, pig).