Jordan Lab

Laboratory of Microbiology, Metabolism & Inflammation (LoMMI)

Projects

Current research

What we eat affects our immune system. High calorie diets as they are typical in the western world cause systemic low-grade chronic inflammation contributing to many diseases including metabolic, cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders. In contrast, reduced calorie intake and fasting regimens are associated with improved outcomes for numerous diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), asthma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In addition, caloric restriction has been proven to extend the healthy lifespan of many organisms.

The microorganisms that live in our intestines participate in the digestion of food and play an important role in the control of our immune system.

The goal of our research is to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that link our gut bacteria to calorie intake and systemic inflammation. To this aim, we combine cutting-edge technologies in the fields of microbiome research, metabolism research and immunology. Our vision is to develop innovative therapies for the prevention and treatment of widespread chronic inflammatory diseases affecting millions of patients worldwide.

Recent findings

We investigated the effect of fasting on cells of the immune system. Fasting reduced the numbers of monocytes in the blood circulation of mice and healthy humans. Monocytes are immune cells that play an important role in the initiation and maintenance of inflammation. Therefore, fasting might reduce the risk to develop inflammatory diseases.

Furthermore, fasting reduced the inflammatory activity of monocytes in a model of human multiple sclerosis and greatly improved the clinical course of the disease. Importantly, while fasting improved inflammatory disease outcome, it did not compromise the immune response during an acute infection (Jordan et al., Cell 2019).

Design by Wiegand von Hartmann GbR

Lab Members

Dr. Stefan Jordan
Dr. Stefan Jordan
PI Microbiology, Metabolism & Inflammation

stefan.jordan(at)charite.de

+49 (030) 450 524368

INTERACTIONS

 

We are convinced that collaboration is a driving force of scientific advancement. Research activities at the Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin are focused on microbial and environmental factors controlling the immune system. All research groups are located on the same floor, share laboratory space and a large lunch room creating a unique atmosphere of interaction and collaboration among PIs and trainees. We have joint labmeetings on a regular basis, a weekly journal club followed by a happy hour, and we invite international guests for presentations and discussions. The Jordan Lab / LoMMI develops joint research projects with the groups of Claudia Duerr, Christoph Klose, Melanie Conrad, Stefan Bereswill / Markus Heimesaat, Christian Neumann and Andreas Diefenbach, works closely together with groups at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and other institutions in Berlin and Brandenburg, and collaborates with national and international partners.

Contact us!

If you are interested in joining our team, contact us! We are always looking for passionate researchers (interns, Master’s or doctorate students and Postdoctoral fellows).

Send your CV or resume and cover letter to stefan.jordan[at]charite.de

Publications

Funding

DFG Priority Programme 1937 “Innate Lymphoid Cells”

Follow us on Twitter

@immunodiet: Latest scientific facts concerning dietary effects on the immune system.

@jordan_LoMMI: News from the Jordan Lab.