Dr. Christopher Hinze has been working as a resident physician in the Department of Pulmonology and Infectiology since 2022 and completed his doctoral thesis under the supervision of BREATH-PI Prof. Dr. Ulrich Maus in Experimental Pulmonology. With his selection into the Clinician-Scientist Program PRACTIS, he will be released from his clinical duties for 1.5 years to conduct research at the Institute for Experimental Virology at TWINCORE under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Thomas Pietschmann. His project focuses on infections with the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in patients requiring lifelong immunosuppressive medication. This also includes analyzing the immune response to recently approved RSV vaccines in patients after lung transplantation.

Impact of Immunosuppressants on Viral Replication
RSV infections pose a serious threat, especially to patients requiring lifelong immunosuppressive therapy. While immunosuppressants are essential to prevent organ rejection after transplantation, they also influence the body's response to viral infections. The extent to which clinically used immunosuppressants affect viral replication, epigenetic changes, and interactions with antiviral drugs such as ribavirin and ziresovir remains insufficiently explored. Dr. Hinze’s project aims to address this gap by investigating potential synergistic or antagonistic effects of these medications on RSV infection. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions between immunosuppressants, antiviral drugs, and RSV infections.

Strong Collaborations for Innovative Research
The research project is embedded within the excellent scientific environment of Hannover Medical School (MHH) and TWINCORE – Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research. This initiative further strengthens the bridge between the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF). In addition to close collaboration with the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Dr. Hinze’s team is also connected with international partners, such as the renowned Institut Pasteur.

"In this project, we can draw upon the extensive expertise of the individual research institutes, particularly in the areas of infection and immunology as well as transplantation and regeneration. This allows us to benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration as well as international networking at the Hannover location," Dr. Hinze enthusiastically states.

New Perspectives for the Treatment of Lung Transplant Patients
The findings from this PRACTIS project could make a crucial contribution to optimizing immunosuppressive therapy for patients after lung transplantation. At the same time, they provide valuable insights for the development of new, targeted antiviral treatment strategies against RSV. This project not only strengthens Hannover’s position as a leading research hub but could also contribute to improving the treatment of immunosuppressed patients worldwide in the long term.

We eagerly anticipate the results and are excited about BREATH’s support for this innovative project!
 

Text: BREATH/AB

Photo: privat