The aim of our research is to delineate host immune responses towards mycobacteria to innovate diagnostic, and therapeutic vaccination and therapeutic strategies.

Immunological characterization and understanding of host responses towards Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), Mycobacterium leprae (M.leprae) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is the central focus of our work. We employ multi-omic-analysis of biosample-soluble markers (proteomics, metabolomics), circulating cell subsets (immunomics), gene expression (transcriptomics, epigenetics), as well as functional read outs and mechanistic studies to identify host biomarkers based on improved understanding of host immunity.

Mycobacterial infections present a major global threat, in particular in low-and middle-income
countries where they afflict individuals in their most productive stage in life. TB alone kills 1.5 million people each year and MDR TB is the most important source of global AMR. Prevention of infection
and disease would contribute significantly to reduce disease- as well as economic burden in these
underprivileged countries. Facilitating early detection of infection and disease using biomarkers incorporated in
improved point-of-care diagnostics can help reduce transmission. Ultimately, immunoprophylaxis by
novel vaccines or vaccination strategies as well as chemoprophylaxis of those most at risk of disease,
will be essential to contain mycobacterial diseases.

In our laboratory we use highly advanced technologies to asses antimycobacterial immunity.
Moreover, to better mimic in vivo conditions, we have the capacity to study live mycobacterial infection models at BSL2 and BSL3 facilities. When needed mouse models for TB are utilized in our animal facilities to assess the preclinical effect of candidate vaccines.