Carsten Kirschning

Prof. Dr. Carsten Kirschning is a faculty member and leads the research group Regulation of Pathogen-specific Immunity at the Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, under the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Duisburg-Essen. His work is also affiliated with the Center for Medical Biotechnology (ZMB), focusing on immunology, infectious diseases, and transplantation research.

His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), particularly Toll-like receptors (TLRs), in mediating immune responses during infections and sterile inflammation such as trauma or sepsis. Using molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and immunological methods, his group investigates ligand-receptor interactions, intracellular signaling, and systemic immune outcomes. Key areas include TLR2, TLR4, TLR13, and MyD88 pathways in diseases like pneumococcal meningitis, hepatitis B, and graft-versus-host disease.

The 15 most recent publications highlight a consistent focus on TLR signaling in infection, inflammation, and immune modulation. Themes include immunometabolism in T cells, extracellular vesicles in immunosuppression, neuroinflammation in meningitis, and innate immune regulation in sepsis. The work spans murine models, human cells, and clinical implications, with publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, JCI Insight, Frontiers in Immunology, and EMBO Reports.

• DFG Individual Proposal KI 591/4-1
• Participation in GK 1045 and TRR60 funding programs

Prof. Kirschning teaches in the medical curriculum, including lectures and practical courses in infectious diseases, immunology, and transfusion medicine, as well as biochemistry for medical students. His research group includes doctoral students and technical staff, indicating active mentorship and team leadership. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the text.

The lab team includes B.Sc. Nils Arens, MTA Christine Jansen, MTA/Technician Thomas Scholtysik, and MTA Sabine Schimanski, supporting ongoing experimental work in immunology and microbiology.