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
Regulation of acute hepatitis
The project investigates immune reactions in viral hepatitis, in particular the role of hepatocytes and myeloid cells. The aim is to understand immune processes in the liver and to develop diagnostic approaches for the clinic.
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
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for early diagnosis and risk stratification of CNS infections
In collaboration with the Department of Neurology and the Metabolomics Department, the project is investigating metabolic products in cerebrospinal fluid in order to identify biomarkers for CNS infections and cell damage and to distinguish long COVID and viral from autoimmune diseases.
Pietschmann Lab
Virology
Host and viral factors that govern susceptibility to HCV and RSV
We are investigating why HCV infections sometimes heal spontaneously, but often become chronic, and why RSV infections are severe in some children. We use modern sequencing technologies to analyze the genetic characteristics of hosts and pathogens in order to understand susceptibility.
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.
