Research Group of Mirjam Schenk

Research Focus

In our research group, we leverage cutting-edge and innovative methods to identify key cellular mechanisms and molecular markers in atopic dermatitis (AD), aiming to discover new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for disease severity. This work is pivotal for advancing personalized treatment approaches. Our research encompasses both adult and pediatric AD cohorts, with a focus on exploring the complex interplay and regulation between innate and adaptive immune cells. This includes key mechanisms such as trained immunity and immunoregulatory pathways, which play a critical role in disease progression. To date, we have investigated a variety of immunoregulatory molecules in the blood (PBMCs and serum) of AD patients and healthy controls through proteomic analysis. These molecules are crucial in modulating inflammation and present potential targets for improving disease outcomes. Currently, we are conducting scRNA-seq and CyTOF experiments to explore the contributions of different immune cell subgroups to AD pathogenesis. In ongoing and future studies, we employ imaging mass cytometry (IMC) and spatial transcriptomics (10x Genomics) to examine immune cell activity and the expression of immunoregulatory markers in affected skin. These approaches offer a comprehensive view of both systemic and local immune activation in AD, enhancing our understanding of disease progression and therapeutic interventions. For preclinical validation of novel therapeutic targets, we utilize established AD models and assess relevant disease parameters. Moreover, recognizing the essential role of the skin microbiome in immune responses, we also investigate its composition and function in AD patients.

Technologies Used

The use of cutting-edge technologies, including advanced transcriptomics and proteomics, is a key aspect of these research projects. The integration of scRNA-seq and CyTOF data with spatial transcriptomics and proteomics in a significant cohort of well-characterized AD patient samples, including PBMCs and tissues, is expected to provide groundbreaking insights into the pathogenesis of AD. Focusing on cell-based disease activity, this approach aims to unravel the complexities of AD pathogenesis at the cellular level. By employing state-of-the-art methods, we anticipate the discovery of new biomarkers, the clarification of disease mechanisms, and the identification of potential therapeutic targets. The outcomes of this project will not only contribute to a deeper understanding of AD but also have the potential to improve diagnostic and treatment strategies, paving the way for more precise and effective interventions in inflammatory skin diseases.

Expected Results/Objectives

Our studies will provide a comprehensive understanding of the subpopulations of immune cells, particularly T-cell populations and monocytes, in the PBMCs of patients with varying AD severity at baseline and during annual follow-up points. The results will highlight dynamic changes in immune cell composition over time and their association with disease severity.

Team

Prof. Dr. Mirjam Schenk, Research Group Leader

Nina Flach, PhD Student

Lina Gross, PhD Student

Erik Kupschke, PhD Student

Severin Moser, Research Technician

Anne Oerlemans, PhD Student

Publications

  • Lina Gross, Lukas Bäriswyl, Erik Kupschke, Alexandra Wallimann, Hanne Hillen, Philipp Kirchner, Jivko Kamarashev, Martin Wartenberg, Claudio Rhyner, Christoph Schlapbach, Stephan Traidl, Mirjam Schenk. Spatial Transcriptomics Identifies Characteristic Immunological Niches in Atopic Dermatitis. Allergy, 2026. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/all.70513

  • Lina Gross, Joerg Buddenkotte, Febu Joy, Anh Jochebeth, Rari Leo, Lubna Therachiyil, Fahad Al-Marri, Roudha Al-Dehneem, Radi Al Chalabi, Abdel-Naser Elzouki, Aseel Sukik, Sara Al-Khawaga, Ayda AlHammadi, Mirjam Schenk, Martin Steinhoff. Microdialysis-based metabolomic and proteomic profiling reveals signature variations for disease severity in psoriasis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2026) https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(26)01192-9/

  • Erik Kupschke, Mirjam Schenk. The myeloid switch: immune drivers in atopic dermatitis – roles in pathogenesis and emerging therapeutic targeting. Front Immunol., 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40661941/

  • Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann, Jamie Afghani, Cezmi Akdis,…., Mirjam Schenk,…Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier. Navigating the evolving landscape of atopic dermatitis: Challenges and future opportunities: The 4th Davos declaration. Allergy, 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39099205/