Introducing new member of Bio2Q

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Leonie  as a Jr. PI at Bio-1 Core of Bio2Q.

“The gut immune system performs a remarkable balancing act: maintaining tolerance to commensal microbes while remaining vigilant against pathogens. Growing evidence reveals that when this equilibrium fails, gut inflammation does not remain localized; it can provoke systemic inflammation, exacerbate metabolic disorders, and even influence neurological conditions. My work focuses on identifying the molecular signals that mediate host-microbe crosstalk in intestinal immunity, with the long-term goal of transforming these insights into therapies for inflammatory diseases in the gut and beyond.
During my PhD at the University of Hamburg, I identified key signals that induce and maintain immunosuppressive Tr1 cells in the gut microenvironment, revealing fundamental mechanisms of immune tolerance. My postdoctoral research at Columbia University then uncovered a surprising microbial influence: specific commensal bacteria can instruct effector T cells in the gut to adopt an anti-inflammatory fate. These discoveries motivate my current research directions at Bio2Q: Defining the microbial metabolites and host-derived signals that dictate immune cell fate decisions, unraveling how these molecular dialogues shape the balance between tolerance and inflammation. By mapping the plasticity of gut immune tolerance programs, I aim to uncover how their breakdown contributes to both local and systemic immunopathology. Ultimately, these insights will drive the development of targeted microbial interventions designed to modulate gut immunity with precision and bridging fundamental mechanistic discovery with therapeutic potential.
My approach is rooted in the belief that breakthroughs emerge at the intersection of disciplines and cultures. Having pursued research in Germany, the United States, and now Japan, I have seen how diverse perspectives accelerate discovery. I am looking forward to collaborate across fields at Bio2Q to explore one of biomedicine’s most exciting frontiers: harnessing host-microbe interactions to promote immune health, from the local gut environment to whole-body systems.”

>> Bio2Q Members List