How RSV manipulates the immune response in respiratory cells
TWINCORE researchers investigate gene activity in host cells
Infection research at the interface between clinical practice and basic research
TWINCORE was founded in 2008 by the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and the Hannover Medical School. We combine the expertise of medical professionals and scientists from a wide range of disciplines to find answers to the pressing questions in infection research. Our focus: translational research – the bridge between basic science and clinical application.
TWINCORE Symposium 2026
This year's TWINCORE Symposium will take place on 3 - 4 September.
Research
We conduct translational infection research to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases in humans. We focus on three areas that characterize our research work. Find out here how we proceed and what results we achieve.
Labs at TWINCORE
Under the leadership of our best scientists, various labs are working on different projects within our research topics.
2026Liver International : Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver46 (7) : e70727
Acute HEV Infection Is a Relevant Cause of Decompensation and ACLF in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis
Dinkelborg K, Niehaus C, Bremer B, Wundes C, Tiede A, Petruch N, Deterding K, Kraft A, Hartleben B, Cornberg M, Wedemeyer H, Behrendt P, Maasoumy B
2026Science Advances12 (25) : eaed4499
Respiratory syncytial viral load drives ciliated cell dedifferentiation and suppresses antiviral immunity
Berg K, Haid S, Vafadarnejad E, Carpentier A, Geffers R, Wiegmann B, Saliba A, Erhard F, Pietschmann T
2026Annals of Neurology : 10.1002/ana.78285
Proinflammatory Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody Functions Track with Disease Activity in Multiple Sclerosis
Behrens M, Terroba-Navajas P, Willemse E, Schädelin S, Comabella M, Münz C, Lauc G, Bartsch Y, Kuhle J, Lünemann J
Graalmann Lab
Immunology
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.
Kalinke Lab
Immunology
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.
Behrendt Lab
Virology
Determinants of the Clinical Course of Infection
Human, potentially neutralizing antibodies against HEV have advanced the development of new detection methods for the virus in patient samples. Serological and functional analyses are used to determine markers for the course and treatment of chronic infections.
Behrendt Lab
Virology
Prevention of HEV Infection
Studies in the cell culture model show that only a few disinfectants are effective against HEV, which provides important information on hygiene measures for HEV infections. We are also working together to test vaccines for pigs as HEV reservoirs.
Career at TWINCORE
Want to become part of TWINCORE?
Take a look at our job advertisements to see if there is something suitable for you or send us an unsolicited application.
