The central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system have the biologically unique ability to collect complex information and store it over long periods of time. Learning and memory are reflected in both systems in cellular and molecular changes.The result of these processes is the storage of information in single cells as well as cellular networks. In this, partially similar mechanisms can be responsible for the formation and stabilisation of neuronal and immunological memory.

For a better understanding of differences and similarities of the phenomenon "memory's" manners of function and effect in both systems, the RG Memory tried a new approach: An interdisciplinary comparison of the mechanisms of learning and memory in the CNS and the immune system on cellular and molecular levels.

The objective of the RG was to identify common properties and – taking one system as a starting point – formulate hypotheses concerning possible mechanisms in the other system, which would then be open to experimental verification.