Our Current Research Projects
Our research groups conduct numerous projects on infectious diseases, focusing on specific scientific questions to gain new insights. These findings aim to improve diagnostics, therapy, and prevention. Here, you can explore an overview of our current projects and learn more about the topics our interdisciplinary teams are working on.
Tissue inflammation upon chronic rheumatic diseases
Patients with chronic rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of infection due to severe inflammation. This project investigates inflammation in various tissues, particularly in systemic sclerosis, in order to develop targeted therapies.
Indirect effects of immunomodulatory drugs
Immunomodulatory drugs for rheumatic diseases specifically influence immune cells and messenger substances. This project investigates their effect on immune responses in order to find individually suitable therapies.
Cell-selective targeting of immune cells
Immunomodulatory drugs can have systemic side effects. This project is testing nanocarriers that deliver drugs specifically into myeloid immune cells in order to reduce side effects and increase the local effect.
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.
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.
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.
Towards the molecular mechanism of HBV vaccination non-responsiveness
The project will investigate the immunological and genetic causes of vaccination failure in 5% of HBV-vaccinated individuals in order to develop new strategies to improve vaccination protection.
Cell-selective delivery of active compounds
The project is developing methods to specifically transport antibiotics into cells such as alveolar macrophages, which are important in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. The aim is to overcome resistance and reduce side effects.
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.
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.