Dagmar Wirth

Prof. Dagmar Wirth is a Research Professor and Head of the 'Model Systems for Infection and Immunity' research group at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI). Her work focuses on gene regulation, viral infections, and immune evasion mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on developing genetically modified mouse models for studying infectious diseases and immune responses. She leads the Service Unit 'Transgenic Mice' (TGSM), providing expertise in transgenic model systems to the HZI community.

• Affiliations: HZI (since 2004), previously at the Medical University of Hannover.
• Education: Chemistry studies in Braunschweig, PhD at GBF (now HZI), postdoctoral research on viral recombination and gene therapy.

Her research interests include viral pathogenesis (e.g., Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus), engineered cell-based therapies, and controlled drug delivery systems using macrophages and nanoparticles. She has pioneered models for hepatitis C virus infection in mice and developed biosensors to detect bacterial infections.

Publications: Over 150 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on virology, immunology, and genetic engineering. Recent work includes studies on antibacterial coatings for implants, ultrasound-activated drug release, and the role of senescence in herpesvirus infection.

Labs/Teams: Leads the MSYS group and collaborates with teams in virology, immunology, and biomedical engineering. Active in developing 3D in vitro models for studying infection and immune responses.