Molecular Host Defence

We study innate immunity and the promises it holds to protect humans and animals from infectious diseases

Structure and Function of Host Defence Molecules
We are interested in the first encounters of pathogens with the host. How do different host defence molecules protect mucosal surfaces when viruses, bacteria or fungi enter the body? Read more

Avian Host Defence
The common ancestor of birds and mammals lived about 310 million years ago: How different is the innate immune system of birds and what can we learn to prevent and treat infectious diseases in poultry? Read more

 

Pulmonary Host Defence and Cystic Fibrosis
The lungs are constantly exposed to the outside world and with each breath noxious and infectious agents are inhaled. Yet, under normal conditions lung infections and inflammation do not occur all the time. How do host defence molecules protect from infection and regulate the inflammatory response? Read more

Host defence peptide CATH-2 (green) binds Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and kills the bacteria (turn red).