How RSV manipulates the immune response in respiratory cells
TWINCORE researchers investigate gene activity in host cells
Infection research at the interface between clinical practice and basic research
TWINCORE was founded in 2008 by the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and the Hannover Medical School. We combine the expertise of medical professionals and scientists from a wide range of disciplines to find answers to the pressing questions in infection research. Our focus: translational research – the bridge between basic science and clinical application.
TWINCORE Symposium 2026
This year's TWINCORE Symposium will take place on 3 - 4 September.
Research
We conduct translational infection research to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases in humans. We focus on three areas that characterize our research work. Find out here how we proceed and what results we achieve.
Labs at TWINCORE
Under the leadership of our best scientists, various labs are working on different projects within our research topics.
2026Liver International : Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver46 (7) : e70727
Acute HEV Infection Is a Relevant Cause of Decompensation and ACLF in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis
Dinkelborg K, Niehaus C, Bremer B, Wundes C, Tiede A, Petruch N, Deterding K, Kraft A, Hartleben B, Cornberg M, Wedemeyer H, Behrendt P, Maasoumy B
2026Science Advances12 (25) : eaed4499
Respiratory syncytial viral load drives ciliated cell dedifferentiation and suppresses antiviral immunity
Berg K, Haid S, Vafadarnejad E, Carpentier A, Geffers R, Wiegmann B, Saliba A, Erhard F, Pietschmann T
2026Annals of Neurology : 10.1002/ana.78285
Proinflammatory Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody Functions Track with Disease Activity in Multiple Sclerosis
Behrens M, Terroba-Navajas P, Willemse E, Schädelin S, Comabella M, Münz C, Lauc G, Bartsch Y, Kuhle J, Lünemann J
Kalinke Lab
Immunology
Virus control within the CNS
The project investigates the immune response of the central nervous system in viral infections, in particular the role of type I IFN, microglia and monocytes in the development of encephalitis and their influence on seizures and hippocampal damage.
Bartsch Lab
Immunology
Harnessing antibody Fc effector functions as therapeutic target
The project is researching how the effect of monoclonal antibodies can be improved. These antibodies are already being used successfully against viruses. The aim is to optimize the so-called Fc effector functions in order to fight infections even more effectively.
Pessler Lab
Immunology
Predictive biomarkers for a poor immune response to influenza vaccination in elderly individuals
Older people are at high risk of a poor immune response to the flu vaccine. Together with partners, we are looking for biomarkers and risk factors for this inadequate response and are investigating ways to improve the vaccination response.
Behrendt Lab
Virology
Determinants of the Clinical Course of Infection
Human, potentially neutralizing antibodies against HEV have advanced the development of new detection methods for the virus in patient samples. Serological and functional analyses are used to determine markers for the course and treatment of chronic infections.
Career at TWINCORE
Want to become part of TWINCORE?
Take a look at our job advertisements to see if there is something suitable for you or send us an unsolicited application.
