Achim Hörauf

Prof. Dr. Achim Hörauf serves as Professor at the University of Bonn's Faculty of Medicine and holds dual leadership roles as Deputy Partner Site Speaker for the Bonn-Köln site and Deputy Coordinator for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases at the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF). His research focuses on developing novel antibiotics targeting Wolbachia endosymbionts in filarial parasites, with significant work on Corallopyronin A for river blindness treatment.

Hörauf's research spans Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine, and Antibiotics Development, emphasizing macrofilaricidal agents against Onchocerca volvulus. His team investigates immune responses in filariasis, pneumococcal vaccination in immunocompromised patients, and lymphatic pathology mechanisms. Key contributions include advancing Corallopyronin A through preclinical development and establishing diagnostic protocols for onchocerciasis vector surveillance.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2022-2024) reveals three dominant research thrusts: 1) Anti-Wolbachial drug development (Corallopyronin A, Muraymycin D2), 2) Immunological profiling of filarial infections (T-cell exhaustion, IgG glycosylation patterns), and 3) Epidemiological studies of neglected tropical diseases (lymphedema microbiology, epilepsy comorbidity). This work bridges basic microbiology with clinical applications for river blindness and lymphatic filariasis.

While specific advisees and grant details aren't provided in source materials, Hörauf's DZIF leadership roles indicate active mentorship within the Bonn-Köln research consortium. His work receives institutional support through University Hospital Bonn's tropical medicine infrastructure.

Hörauf directs research teams at the DZIF Partner Site Bonn-Köln, collaborating with University Hospital Bonn's tropical medicine division. His laboratory focuses on Wolbachia-targeted therapies and immunological diagnostics for filarial diseases, maintaining active projects on macrofilaricidal drug development and field epidemiology in endemic regions.