2021-10-20
Twincore Hannover
Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)
The Institute for Experimental Virology, led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Pietschmann, at TWINCORE - Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research in Hanover, is seeking a
Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)
for the study of vaccine-induced antibody response and their protective role on the Hepatitis E virus (HEV)
to support our international and interdisciplinary team.
At TWINCORE medical personnel and basic research scientists from various disciplines conduct infection research side by side. Our focus is upon translational research the interface between basic research and clinical development.
The Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is the most frequent cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Usually, it causes a mild disease but – dependent on the prevalent HEV genotype- underlying conditions such as pre-existing liver disease or pregnancy predispose for severe hepatitis and acute liver failure. Currently, there is no approved treatment against HEV and a vaccine is currently only licensed in China.
In Europe, the zoonotic genotype 3 (GT3) is most prevalent, which has its main reservoir in pigs. Therefore, HEV GT3 infections are mostly associated with consumption of undercooked or raw meat products.
The aim of this project is to vigorously analyze humoral antibody-responses of pigs in order to gain knowledge about the neutralizing capacity and cross-reactiveness of pigs which have been immunized by different means.
In the future, this will give insights about vaccine candidates and their ability to protect from GT3 infection and for tailored prevention strategies.
This project makes use of a HEV reverse genetic system mainly of GT3 to perform infection assays in a hepatoma- and primary human hepatocytes. We apply deep sequencing technology, virological and cell biological techniques, Cas9 genome editing and metabolome studies. In our international network of collaborators, we join forces across disciplines with bioinformaticians, mathematicians and drug researchers. Within this project, the necessary animal work will be conducted by our collaboration partner at the Friedrich Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institut for Animal Health). Our close collaboration with the Hannover Medical School enables to translate our results into the humans.
