Main areas of research
Lung diseases are the most common complication in patients with congenital disorders of the immune system (immunodeficiencies) and cystic fibrosis. Increased bacterial infections contribute significantly to the increasing destruction of the airways. We are working on improving the diagnosis of lung diseases with the help of imaging (computer tomography) and functional (multiple breath washout, MBW) procedures. We are developing a functional test to diagnose susceptibility to infections with encapsulated pathogens (e.g. pneumococci). To prevent infection of the lungs with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we are developing a vaccine designed to protect the respiratory tract in particular.
In order to help patients with everyday problems caused by their primary immunodeficiency, we are developing a structured patient training program and investigating their quality of life.
Further information
Assessment of pulmonary antibodies with induced sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage induced by nasal vaccination against Pseudomonas aeruginosa:
a clinical phase I/II study.
Baumann U., Gocke K., Gewecke B., Freihorst J., von Specht B.U. 2007
Respir. Res. 8:57.
Immune responses in the airways by nasal vaccination with systemic boosting against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in chronic lung disease.
Sorichter S., Baumann U., Baumgart A., Walterspacher S., von Specht B.U. 2009
Vaccine.27:2755-9
Systemic, nasal and oral live vaccines against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A clinical trial of immunogenicity in lower airways of human volunteers.
Bumann D., Behre C., Behre K., Herz S., Gewecke B., Gessner J.E., von Specht B.-U., Baumann U. 2010
Vaccine.28(3):707-13
- EURO-PADnet EU
- BMBF / PID-Net
- BMBF / Competence Network HIV
- Chest CT in ADS Group EU
- The Binding Site
- BMG / Competence Network
- Patient education
- BMBF
- EU FP7 Program
- ZIT
- The Binding Site
- Britta Gewecke
- Florian Wölbeling
- Imke Glass
- Marzena Schaefer
- Norbert Gebert