Research areas
Our department has a strong interest in basic and clinical hepatological and gastrointestinal research.
Our research activities include the elucidation of basic mechanisms underlying major hepatic and gastrointestinal diseases, as well as the search for improved therapies.
Another focus of research in our department is on clinical research in tropical medicine, which we perform in close collaboration with the basic research facilities of the Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg.
Our research activities are mainly on the pathogenesis and clinical management of malaria.
Major research areas are:Viral hepatitis
More than 500 million people worldwide suffer from infection with hepatitis B or C viruses. Viral infection of the liver may lead to liver damage and, when chronic, to liver cirrhosis with an increased risk of liver cancer.
Link:
Clinical studies Basic research: Petersen lab
I
mmune response to HIV and Hepatitis C virus co-infection Co-infection of HIV with Hepatitis C is frequently diagnosed and occurs in an estimated 30% of HIV infected individuals bearing potential for accelerated disease progression mainly due sequelae of chronic liver disease and liver fibrosis. Modern pharmacotherapy has led to a significant improvement of morbidity and mortality but often lacks substantial benefit in several individuals. In HCV and HIV co-infected individuals magnitude of cytotoxic CD8 is clearly dependent of CD4 cell status. We aim to analyse the response of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and T-helper lymphocytes to autologous HIV and HCV epitopes in co-infected individuals from acute to chronic infection. Sensitive immunologic assays will be used to perfom a detailed characterization of potential autologous epitopes. Main goal of this analysis is to explore the differences of immune response in individuals with distinct disease outcomes.
Link:
Basic research Zoufaly / van Lunzen
Autoimmune liver disease
Autoimmune liver diseases occur when the immune system attacks the liver in the absence of infection.
Depending on the liver structure affected, autoimmune liver disease manifests as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
Link:
Clinical studiesBasic research: Herkel lab / Schramm lab
Immune Regulation
Immune responses must be tightly regulated. Mechanisms of immune regulation orchestrate the balance between immune responses against pathogens and tumors on the one hand and the prevention of autoimmunity on the other hand.
Link:
Basic research: Herkel lab / Schramm lab
Liver cancer
The liver has a unique potential to regenerate even after major injuries.
However, chronic liver injury, due to chronic liver inflammation, may result in aberrant regeneration and the formation of tumours.
Link:
Clinical studiesBasic research: Adenoviral therapy of gastrointestinal tumours, Block labBasic research: Telomerase in liver regeneration and carcinogenesis, Wege labBasic research: Liver cell transplantation therapy, Benten lab
Basic research: Herkel lab / Schramm labNeuroendocrine tumours
Neuroendocrine tumours of the gastro entero- pancreatic system and signalling pathways in pancreatic cells are another focus of research:
Link:
Clinical studiesBasic research: Bläker lab / Pace lab
Malaria
With about 500 million clinical episodes per year, malaria is a major tropical disease with worldwide impact.
Link:
Clinical researchBasic research BNI
