Cirrhosis on single cell level: transcriptional and metabolic profiles in the peritoneum unraveled

We aim to fully understand alterations in a cirrhotic peritoneum by analyzing a decompensated cirrhosis and a unique healthy control group in parallel.

Work package 1

We aim to characterize peritoneal immune cells at a single cell level, creating a complete map of the immunomodulatory properties of these cells.

Work package 2

In addition, we will create an overview of metabolic and immunologic substrates in the peritoneal cavity, hypothesized to drive the functionality of the niche.

Work package 3

Finally, we aim to modulate the peritoneal cavity of cirrhotic patients to a normal homeostatic state, highly optimized to efficiently clear pathogens and initiate tissue repair when the liver is overwhelmed. Therefore, ex vivo functional and metabolic rewiring assays of cirrhotic peritoneal cells will be designed, based on the results obtained in work package 1 and 2.

This study will reveal inflammatory and metabolic parameters/pathways that are associated with cirrhosis and/or infection. Highly unique in this study is the state-of-the-art single cell profiling as well as the comparison with healthy controls. The knowledge gained within this project will allow us to rewire peritoneal cells towards a healthy functional state, and will aid the development of novel therapeutic interventions.