- Institute Retreat at Seeon 2008
In view of gene-environment interactions research the institute focuses on health risks associated with exposure to airborne stressors and their potential role in lung diseases. In particular, the relevance of combustion-derived ultrafine particles (< 0.1 μm diameter) and manufactured nanomaterials are major concerns. Our aerosol research covers dosimetric aspects of exposure, but also the use of particles for the early detection of lung disease.
The DFG (German Research Foundation) project Nanohale evaluates the potential of nanomaterials for targeted delivery of pharmaceutical agents into pathologically altered regions of the lungs. Our research is an integral part of the Focus Network Nanoparticles and Health (Nano Health) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München. The integrated concept of this network comprises the characterization of environmental and engineered (nano-)particles and their effects on human health applying epidemiological and toxicological approaches.
Research at the Institute is integrated into the Helmholtz Programme on Environmental Health. Epidemiological and toxicological studies have shown that environmental particulate matter poses a health risk to the entire population.
Industrial progress has clearly reduced combustion-associated emissions of total mass, but at the cost of increased emissions of ultrafine particles and thus of total particle number. The exponentially growing capabilities of nanotechnology will result in the ubiquitous presence of nanoparticles in our environment, albeit in low concentrations.
Particles within this size range have the capability to enter our vital organs, so that reasons for health concerns are given. In order to assess potential health risks of ultrafine and nanoparticles, particle dosimetry in the developing and the adult lung (NIH-funded), disturbances in homeostasis and the induction of defense mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels are studied and susceptible populations – whether as a result of genetic predisposition or of existing disease of the respiratory or cardiovascular systems – are identified within human populations and animal models (see also our Clinical Cooperation Group Inflammatory Lung Diseases).
The Institute was founded as Institute of Inhalation Biology in 1994 and renamed to Institute of Lung Biology and Disease in 2009. The research programme comprises 2 core budget projects and 9 grant-funded projects with a total of 14 scientists, 16 technicians, and 2 visiting scientists.
