The Sitnik Research Group

Hi! We are the Katarzyna Sitnik Research Group, located at Vetmeduni Vienna, Austria. We investigate unknown aspects of stromal cell biology in health and disease. Our focus lies on unravelling the mechanisms by which stromal cells regulate the immune system and the role they play in host-microbe interactions. Through our research we strive to provide biological insight that can aid in the prevention and treatment of infections and immune disorders.

About the PI

Read more about the rationale behind our research

Stromal cells, such as fibroblasts, form the structural framework of organs and tissues, but are not merely structural elements. Notably, we know by now that stromal cells are also important regulators of the immune system. For example, stromal cells in lymphoid tissues specialize in fostering immune cell development and adaptive immune responses while peripheral tissue stroma has essential immunoregulatory functions at local sites. Defects in the biological crosstalk between stromal cells and the immune system can result in compromised anti-microbial defence on one hand, and autoimmune or autoinflammatory disorders on the other. Yet, while it is well-understood that stromal cells regulate the immune system, we have only been scratching the surface with respect to learning about “how” they do it. To help close this gap, in the Sitnik group we focus our efforts on the elucidation of yet unknown mechanisms by which stromal cells in lymphoid and peripheral organs communicate with the immune system. We are also interested in how this communication may be influenced by microbes.