Research against pathogens: Strategies for a healthier future!

Research against pathogens: Strategies for a healthier future!

On March 8, 2025, an insightful conversation took place between the journalist Wolfgang Heim and the renowned researchers Dr. Frauke Mücksch and Dr. Markus Ganter. Both scientists are part of the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1129 at Heidelberg University, which is funded by the German Research Foundation. This SFB deals with the integrative analysis of the replication and spread of pathogens and sheds light on how viruses and parasites are spread in the human body and how the immune system reacts to them.

In the “Survival Strategies” series, the research results are presented in recorded conversations. Dr. Ganter explains that her research aims to understand the underlying mechanisms that play a role in the spread of pathogens. These findings are crucial to effectively inhibit infections and develop potential therapies.

Research on pathogens

The SFB 1129 focuses in particular on globally widespread pathogens that cause a high burden of disease, including AIDS, malaria, hepatitis and influenza. Dr. Mücksch emphasizes that in many cases there are no effective therapies, vaccinations or cures available. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to translate basic research into practical applications.

Research is enriched through interdisciplinary collaboration with scientists from five faculties at Heidelberg University as well as institutions such as the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and the German Cancer Research Center. The spokesman for the SFB 1129, Prof. Dr. Hans-Georg Kräusslich, heads the Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research at Heidelberg University Hospital and plays a central role in the research efforts.

Mechanisms of viral infection

A central aspect of virus research that was addressed in the conversation is the virus entry cycle. According to research based on basic microbiology, this cycle begins with the virus binding to specific receptors on a susceptible cell. Various steps can be involved. Many viruses first bind to an accessory receptor before moving on to a high-affinity, virus-specific receptor. An example is the receptors for the HIV virus, which uses CD4 as the primary receptor and requires chemokines as co-receptors to enter cells.

The interactions between virus and host determine the course and outcome of an infection. At the same time, microbiology describes how other pathogens such as bacteria or fungi can penetrate the human body through different mechanisms, which underlines the need for effective defense strategies. Dr. Ganter is particularly investigating the reproduction of the malaria pathogen Plasmodium in order to better understand its spread.

The comprehensive consideration of these complex biological and medically relevant topics will continue to be discussed in the “Survival Strategies” series. Not only virus and parasite research is covered, but also other important diseases, including brain tumors, heart and skin diseases and chronic pain.

The work of the SFB 1129 has not only contributed to expanding knowledge about infection mechanisms, but also to the development of new approaches in basic research that could potentially lead to more effective treatment strategies. Further information and film contributions can also be seen in the RNF program.