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.
Lower Saxony International Summer Academy 2026
The LISA Summer School 2026 takes place from 23 August to 11 September 2026. Registration is open until 31 March.
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
Pessler Lab
Immunology
Functional Biomarkers for respiratory infections
This project focuses on lung infections such as influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia and tuberculosis in order to improve diagnostics, patient stratification and therapy. RNA molecules and metabolites are being investigated as biomarkers and complementary therapies.
Pietschmann Lab
Virology
Principles of HCV assembly and entry and their role in virus persistence
We are investigating how the association of HCV with lipoproteins contributes to the persistence of the virus by influencing entry into liver cells and protecting against antibodies. The aim is to gain new insights for the development of an HCV vaccine.
Pietschmann Lab
Virology
Mechanisms of HCV tissue and species tropism: A guide for development of animal models
The project investigates the factors that determine the species barrier mechanism of HCV and make it impossible to study the infection in animal models. The aim is to use genetic screening systems to develop in vivo models for vaccine research.
Behrendt Lab
Virology
Prevention of HEV Infection
Studies in the cell culture model show that only a few disinfectants are effective against HEV, which provides important information on hygiene measures for HEV infections. We are also working together to test vaccines for pigs as HEV reservoirs.
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.
