Unit | Clinical Immunology

Our group focuses on systems-immunology-based approaches within the framework of Phase I to III clinical trials. We aim to identify surrogates of protection as well as host factors elicited by subunit and whole parasite vaccines against tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. Clinical trials are performed with our partners of the Ifakara Health Institute in Bagamoyo. Further, the unit develops novel diagnostic tools for paediatric clinical TB in high endemic countries.

Co-Morbidity

Co-morbidity studies analyse the impact of non-communicable diseases on immune responses against infectious diseases, particularly TB. Unit researchers also work to understand the consequences of helminth co-infections on malaria, TB and HIV pathogenesis and immunity.

Latest Publications

All Publications

Abukhattab S et al. Whole-genome sequencing for One Health surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in conflict zones: a case study of Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. in the West Bank, Palestine. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2023;89(9):e00658-23. DOI: 10.1128/aem.00658-23

Banga R et al. Lymph node dendritic cells harbor inducible replication-competent HIV despite years of suppressive ART. Cell Host Microbe. 2023;31(10):1714-1731. DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.08.020

Bechtold P et al. Development and evaluation of PlasmoPod: a cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test for rapid malaria diagnosis and surveillance. PLOS Glob Public Health. 2023;3(9):e0001516. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001516

Daubenberger C. Genetically modified malaria parasites as vaccine candidates. Trends Mol Med. 2023;29(1):1-3. DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.11.005

García G.A et al. Identifying individual, household and environmental risk factors for malaria infection on Bioko Island to inform interventions. Malar J. 2023;22:72. DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04504-7