Translational Research on Infectious Diseases
Research
Immunology & Translational Infection Research:
- NK-cell biology and CMV-driven immune modulation
- Immune activation and chronic inflammation in HIV
- Host–pathogen interactions in chronic viral infections
Cohort & Clinical Studies:
- HIV cohort studies (RESINA, ClinSurv HIV, local PLWH cohorts)
- Chronic hepatitis D / E cohort analyses
- Hepatitis C/D screening & linkage-to-care projects
- Opportunistic infections in people living with HIV
Women’s Health in HIV (WAVE/EACS):
- Care perceptions and healthcare needs of women living with HIV
- European comparative studies and upcoming qualitative research
Team
MD Candidates
- Elisa Hellendahl
- Giacomo Suprano
- Stefano Vescio
- Paula Skorwider
- Malin Kinkel
- Elias Raschid
- Julian Turnbach
- Johannes Zielke
- Lennart Otto Hansen
Dr. Smaranda Gliga and Dr. Alexander Killer conduct both, individual and joint, translational and cohort-based research projects on the clinical and molecular aspects of viral infections. Their work focuses on HIV and viral hepatitis (HBV, HDV, HEV), complemented by studies on antiviral and anti-infective therapies, including SARS-CoV-2. The research team is embedded in the division of infectious diseases (lead by PD Dr. Jensen) and the hepatologic outpatient clinic (lead by Prof. Dr. Bock).
Dr. Gliga additionally leads immunological research on host–pathogen interactions in chronic viral infections, with a particular emphasis on NK-cell–mediated immunity, CMV-driven immune modulation, and inflammatory comorbidities in people living with HIV. Her immunology work is conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Virology, University Hospital Düsseldorf (AG Timm). Dr. Gliga also contributes to the WAVE (Women Against Viruses in Europe) - initiative of the European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS), focusing on the healthcare needs, care perceptions, and lived experiences of women living with HIV across Europe.
Dr. Killer’s research has a clinical focus on analysis of treatment dynamics and prediction of treatment responses.
Selected Publications
Gliga, Lübke, Killer et al. Rapid Selection of Sotrovimab Escape Variants in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Omicron-Infected Immunocompromised Patients. Clin Infect Dis. 2023 Feb 8;76(3):408-415. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciac802. PMID: 36189631; PMCID: PMC9619606.
Orth HM, Flasshove C et al. Early combination therapy of COVID-19 in high-risk patients. Infection. 2024 Jun;52(3):877-889. doi: 10.1007/s15010-023-02125-5. Epub 2023 Nov 29. PMID: 38017344; PMCID: PMC11142969.
Killer A, Gliga S et al. Dynamics of Virological and Clinical Response Parameters of Bulevirtide Treatment for Hepatitis D: Real-World Data. Gastro Hep Adv. 2024 Jan 5;3(3):353-360. doi: 10.1016/j.gastha.2024.01.001. PMID: 39131142; PMCID: PMC11308454.
Killer A, Gliga S, Trajectories and predictive significance of inflammatory parameters for clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients treated with tocilizumab. Infection. 2025 Feb;53(1):339-348. doi: 10.1007/s15010-024-02375-x. Epub 2024 Aug 29. PMID: 39210228; PMCID: PMC11825610.