Microscopic view of metabolic cells in the liver (Hepatocytes, blue) and the capillaries (black) that perfuse them in a living organism. The image depicts magenta stained nanoparticles carrying drugs into hepatocytes. The interaction and movements of those nanoparticles on the surface of hepatocytes was computed from time series. (Image-analysis in Collaboration with Dr. Zoltán Cseresnyés, Hans-Knöll Institute Jena)

Molecular Mechanisms and Therapy of Life-Threatening Infections

We are at the forefront of scientific inquiry in the realms of life-threatening infection and drug delivery. Our collective endeavor is to shed light onto the complex interplay between pathogens and host response, fostering the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Investigating Immune Defense Mechanisms

We delve into the microscopic world where pathogens encounter the human immune system. Our research rigorously explores the intricate interplay between infectious agents and host defenses, elucidating the complex dynamics that govern health and disease.

Translational Nanomedicine for Targeted Therapy

Our cutting-edge research in medical innovation and translational nanomedicine focuses on developing precise drug delivery systems. We aim to revolutionize therapeutic approaches by harnessing nanoparticles to transport novel medications directly to infection sites, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing systemic side effects. These drug delivery modalities share similarities with pathogens in the eyes of the immune system. Investigating these interactions paves a prosperous reseach area.

Kinase Signaling in Infection and Organ Resilience

Our kinase signaling research deciphers the molecular language of infection and its impact on organ function. By understanding these signaling pathways, we aim to develop interventions that can shift the balance towards recovery in inflammation-associated organ failure.

Metabolite-Immune Interactions: Dynamics During Infection

We investigate the intricate relationship between metabolites and immune responses during infection and inflammation. Our research provides critical insights into these interactions, offering novel perspectives for developing targeted strategies to strengthen the immune response in compromised hosts.

Microscopic Insights: Host-Pathogen Interactions

Utilizing advanced molecular and in vivo microscopic techniques, we observe the dynamic interplay between pathogens and host cells. These insights are pivotal in identifying and rectifying the underlying mechanisms of host vulnerability, guiding the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.

Selected Publications

1. Area: Molecular Medicine of Life-Threatening Infection

Hoff J, Xiong L, Kammann T, Neugebauer S, Micheel JM, Gaßler N, Bauer M, Press AT. RIPK3 promoter hypermethylation in hepatocytes protects from bile acid-induced inflammation and necroptosis. Cell Death Dis. 2023;14(4):275. DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05794-0

Sommerfeld O, Anna Medyukhina A, Neugebauer S, Ghait M, Ulferts S, Lupp A, König R, Wetzker R, Schulz S, Figge MT, Bauer M, Press AT, Targeting Complement C5a receptor 1 is a theranostic target for the treatment of immunosuppression in sepsis, Molecular Therapy, 2020, 29(1):338-346. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.09.008

Press AT, Babic P, Hoffmann B, Müller T, Foo W, Hauswald W, Benecke J, Beretta M, Cseresnyes Z, Hoeppner S, Nischang I, Coldewey SM, Gräler MH, Bauer R, Gonnert F, Gaßler N, Wetzker R, Figge MT, Schubert US, Bauer M, Targeted delivery of a phosphoinositide 3-kinase γ inhibitor to restore organ function in sepsis through dye-functionalized lipid nanocarriers, EMBO Molecular Medicine, 2021, 13(10):e14436 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15252/emmm.202114436

2. Area: Drug Delivery & Biophotonics

Foo W, Wiede A, Bierwirth S, Heintzmann R, Press AT*, Hauswald W*. Automated multicolor mesoscopic imaging for the 3-dimensional reconstruction of fluorescent biomarker distribution in large tissue specimens. Biomed Opt Express. 2022; 13(7): 3723-3742. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1364/BOE.455215

Muljajew I, Husche S, Ramoji A, Cseresnyes Z, Hoeppener S, Nischang I, Foo Wanling, Popp J, Figge MT, Weber C, Bauer M, Schubert US*, Press AT*, Stealth Effect of Short Polyoxazolines in Graft Copolymers: Minor Changes of Backbone End Group Determine Liver Cell-Type Specificity, ACS Nano, 2021, 15(7): 12298–12313, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.1c04213

Want to read more? https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6089-6764