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.
2026Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases20 (7) : e0013781
Hantavirus stability and inactivation
Vandenabeele L, Ayanwale A, Pietschmann T, Nilsson-Payant B
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
Kalinke Lab
Immunology
Immunological sensing of cytomegalovirus (CMV)
The project investigates how HCMV is recognized by the immune system and which mechanisms the virus uses to camouflage itself. The aim is to understand the immune reactions and develop therapies for severely affected patients.
Bartsch Lab
Immunology
Protective anti-viral immunity – learning from natural examples
In this project, antibodies that help to ward off infections are being investigated in more detail. The aim is to find characteristics that have a protective effect against certain pathogens by comparing different antibody profiles in infections and vaccinations.
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
Antiviral agents against HCV, RSV and coronavirus
We develop high-throughput screening assays to identify antiviral molecules against RSV and SARS-CoV-2. We use compound libraries, investigate new mechanisms of action and strive for innovative therapies.
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.
