Allergies and asthma are among the most common chronic diseases worldwide. We are interested in the cellular mechanisms of allergic sensitization and immunological tolerance. Using mouse models and patient cohorts as well as innovative cell characterization methods, we analyze immunological cell populations and their activation and function. The aim of our research is the primary prevention of allergic diseases and their causal therapy.

We also focus on research into respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and community-acquired pneumonia (pedCAP). Children suffering from these diseases are recruited and clinically and molecularly examined using a comprehensive clinical data and biomaterial database. Using computer-based OMICs methods, we are looking for new biomarkers to elucidate the determinants of severe RSV infection. A further objective is the identification of clinical diagnostic criteria for pedCAP, the development and validation of appropriate risk stratification, the establishment of clinical prognostic markers and the identification of biomarkers for the prognosis of CAP patients.

Rare lung diseases are another pillar of our research focus. With the aim of investigating the biology and therapeutic potential of lung macrophages, we translate our findings from the research laboratory into clinical application in order to develop new therapeutic strategies that greatly improve the quality of life and life expectancy of patients.