HIPPENSTIEL GROUP

Welcome to the research group „Molecular Infectiology and Pneumology“!

The group is part of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Diseases of the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Despite several decades of intensive research activities worldwide, pneumonia is still the third leading cause of death worldwide and causes millions of deaths of children every year.

The conservation of the lung alveolo-capillary during the host-pathogen combat is critical for the maintenance of the vital gas exchange function of the lung. In pneumonia, both, overwhelming lung inflammation in concert with factor of pathogens finally disturb the filigree structure of the alveolus.

It is our mission to understand mechanisms of human lung failure. The acquired knowledge gives a rational basis to reach our goal to develop new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of severe lung infections.

Our group is convinced that the investigation of original human tissues and cells is a powerful way to understand human diseases and to foster translation into the clinical practice. Therefore, we have a strong focus on the development of new experimental techniques for preparation, culture, conservation and investigation of human three-dimensional tissue.

In this sense, we are convinced that the practical constraints of the present do not impede our opportunities in the future.

You are cordially invited to participate in this fascinating and fast moving area of research!