Studies of tissue microbiology and immunology – Mattias Svensson group

We conduct studies how the tissue microenvironment affects the development and function of human myeloid immune cells in homeostasis, infection and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Group photo of ten people outdoors.

Our research

The group's research aims to understand how the tissue microenvironment influences the development and function of myeloid immune cells in homeostasis, infection and chronic inflammatory conditions. In particular, the focus is on the ability of tissue-specific cells, especially fibroblasts, to shape the function of myeloid cells.

We use the latest technology in high-plex spatial protein profiling and take advantage of our recent advances in the development of organotypic tissues with immune cells. These immunocompetent organotypic tissues recreate important properties of specific tissues (lung, skin, tonsil and gingiva), which have proven to be robust tools for modelling homeostasis, inflammation and infection. The goal is to demonstrate new mechanisms of tissue homeostasis and inflammation, as well as the functional relationship of fibroblasts with myeloid immune cells in infection and inflammatory disease, thereby paving the way for new therapeutic approaches targeting fibroblasts.

Studies on human fibroblasts´s and myeloid immune cells 

We investigate the heterogeneity and functionality of fibroblasts across various tissues, analysing human organ donor tissue and tissue from patients suffering from bacterial infections or chronic inflammatory conditions. Fibroblast subsets and states are investigated through analyses of differentially expressed genes at a single-cell level. 

Illustration of fibroblast/monocyte/macrophage interactions in tissue (colon). Image generated from high-plex spatial protein profiling using the MACSimaTM instrument.
Illustration of fibroblast/monocyte/macrophage interactions in tissue (colon). Image generated from high-plex spatial protein profiling using the MACSima(TM) instrument. Photo: Mattias Svensson

Fibroblast heterogeneity revealed at a transcriptional level is validated at protein and cellular levels using multi-parameter flow cytometry and high-plex spatial imaging analyses. Fibroblast and myeloid cell relationships are studies using organotypic and ex vivo tissue models in which their phenotypes and functions will be investigated with multiparameter imaging and flow cytometry analyses and deep expression profiling in combination with myeloid cell-T cell stimulation assays.

Technologies

For our research we employ specialized cultures of tissue (organotypic) as well as ex vivo explant models together with advanced technologies including confocal microscopy (Nikon A1R), high-plex spatial protein profiling (MACSimatm), flow cytometers (BD Symphony A3 and A5), cell sorters (Sony MA900), single-cell sequencing (10X genomics), and multiplex protein analysis (Luminex)

Collaborations

Our group closely collaborate with other research groups at Center for Infectious Medicine, as well as several national and international researchers

  • Kristoffer Strålin, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
  • Olav Rooijackers, Karolisnak Institutet, Sweden
  • Teresa Frisan, Umeå University, Sweden
  • Fredric Carlsson, Lund University, Sweden
  • Edoardo Saccenti, Wageningen University, Netherlands
  • Andrew Steer, Murdoch Children´s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
  • Hanna Frost, Murdoch Children´s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
  • Joshua Osowicki, Murdoch Children´s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia

Open positions

We are constantly looking for talented potential co-workers. If you are interested in doing research within our group, as a degree project or as a researcher, please contact the Group leader: mattias.svensson@ki.se.

Publications

Selected publications

Funding

Grants

  • Swedish Research Council
    1 January 2024 - 31 December 2026
    The biological importance of fibroblasts is undisputed. However, in depth fibroblast characterization on protein level in situ and ex vivo, as well their functional relationship with immune cells, such as macrophages, in microanatomical niches do not exist today. Macrophages are found in all tissues, and are important for tissue homeostasis, as well as in controlling infection and inflammation. We hypothesize that the contrasting functions of macrophages in tissue might be linked to tissue and context dependent modulation through fibroblasts. Our preliminary data indicate that (PDGFRA+CD142-) fibroblasts co-localize with monocytes/macrophages in human inflamed and non-inflamed intestine. Through access to organ donor tissue and well-characterized patient samples, as well as cutting edge single cells RNA sequencing, multiparameter flow cytometry, and novel ultra-high content imaging technologies combined with advanced in-house developed cell culture-systems, we will (1) investigate transcriptional fibroblast heterogeneity across and within human tissue (2) validate transcriptional data at protein and cellular levels, and (3) investigate the conditions and prerequisites for fibroblasts shaping the macrophage pool. The proposed research has the potential to provide new mechanistical insights into tissue homeostasis, inflammation, and resolution, as well as into fibroblast functions which can be explored in novel therapeutic approaches targeting fibroblasts in disease.
  • Assays for acceleration: from fit-for-purpose models to scalable assays of broad systemic and mucosal protection against all strains of Group A Streptococcus
    National Institutes of Health
    1 January 2023 - 31 December 2025
  • European Commission FP7-Health
  • Swedish Research Council
  • VINNOVA
  • Karolinska Institutet 

Staff and contact

Group leader

All members of the group

Former group members

  • Julius Juarez, PhD, postdoctoral studies completed 2013
  • Anh Thu Nguyen Hoang, PhD, postdoctoral studies completed 2013
  • Nikolai Siemens, PhD, postdoctoral studies completed 2016
  • Sofia Björnfot-Holmström, DDS, PhD, postdoctoral studies completed 2017
  • Takeaki Wajima, PhD, postdoctoral studies completed 2017
  • Afzal Muhammad, PhD, postdoctoral studies completed 2019
  • Puran Chen, MD, PhD, postdoctoral studies completed 2020
  • Victoria Vassen, PhD, postdoctoral studies completed 2021
  • Egle Kvedaraite, MD, postdoctoral studies completed 2022