Hepatoimmunology ǀ UKD

Hepatoimmunology Group

Research

Elucidation of intra- and intercellular signaling networks involved in:

regulation of the systemic acute-phase response
mediating liver damage and orchestrating regeneration
influencing the activation state of macrophage populations in the liver
promoting metabolic liver disease and its progression to fibrosis and liver cancer
establishment of persistent viral infections

more information...

Funding

“How do hepatitis viruses reprogram the host cell response to inflammatory cytokines?”, Manchot graduate school: Molecules of infection (MOI) V, funded by the Manchot foundation 2024-2027
“Mechanism-based multiscale model for dissection of the tipping point from liver cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma”, Liver Systems Medicine against Cancer (LiSyM Cancer) funded by the BMBF 2021-2027
“Virus-induced changes in cellular signaling in hepatocytes lead to reprogramming of the cell's response to growth factors – analysis of molecular mechanisms and functional consequences” grant funded by the DFG 2023-2026

Team

Prof. Dr. med. Johannes G. Bode

Head of research group

Publications

Dr. rer. nat. Christian Ehlting

Vice head of research group

Main research topic: signal transduction networks in host responses to pathogens and control of hepatic acute-phase response

Publications

Dr. rer. nat. Stephanie D. Wolf

Senior scientist

Research topic: immunological mechanisms relevant for transition of MASLD to MASH and its progression to fibrosis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma and immune-control of liver regeneration

Publications

Amanda Cunha Brum, PhD

Postdoctoral researcher

Research topic: HBV/HCV-induced reprogramming of host cell responses to growth factors

Publications

Doctoral candidates

Marie Sophie Wittmann

PhD candidate

Dissertation topic: mechanism underlying dysregulation of CXCR2 ligand expression by the hepatitis C virus

Julian Gilljam

MD/PhD candidate

Dissertation topic: the role of PAR4 in the development and progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and of TGF-β in liver regeneration

Sebastian Engel

MD candidate

Dissertation topic: influence of the protein kinases MK2 and MK3 on the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)

Anna-Maria Iancu

MD candidate

Dissertation topic: influence of the protein kinases MK2 and MK3 on the acute-phase response of the liver

Paulina S. Moll

MD candidate

Dissertation topic: influence of the thrombin receptor PAR4 on inflammation in adipose tissue in the course of progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)