Astrid Westendorf

Professor Dr. Astrid Westendorf is a faculty member at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), serving as Chair of Infectious Immunology at the Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen. She has been Vice Rector for Research and Young Scientists at UDE since April 2022, highlighting her leadership in academic research and mentorship. Her work is central to the ZMB (Center for Medical Biotechnology) and is aligned with the UDE's research program in Immunology, Infectious Diseases, and Transplantation.

Her research focuses on mucosal immunology, particularly the interactions between the immune system and the gut microbiome. She investigates how imbalances in this system contribute to chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer. Key areas include the role of interleukin-33, regulatory T cells, sphingolipids, and helminth infections in modulating immune responses. She also pioneers nanoparticle-based strategies for immune modulation, with applications in infection and cancer therapy.

The recent publications reveal a strong trend in immunomodulation using biomaterials, host-pathogen interactions in gastrointestinal and systemic infections, and the immunological mechanisms underlying cancer development. Her work frequently involves calcium phosphate and barium sulfate nanoparticles for drug delivery and imaging, alongside deep exploration of T cell and B cell regulation in infection and inflammation.

• Appointment as expert member of the Central Commission for Biological Safety (ZKBS), 2024–2027

Professor Westendorf actively mentors doctoral students and leads a dynamic research team. Her group receives substantial funding from the DFG (GRK1949, GRK2098), BMBF (HeliTec project), and other national programs, supporting projects on antibiotic-free Helicobacter therapy and nanoparticle effects in intestinal organoids. She leads the research group Infection Immunology, which includes postdoctoral researchers, junior group leaders, and technical staff.

The group operates within the Institute of Medical Microbiology and is embedded in the Faculty of Medicine at UDE, contributing to both basic science and translational medicine. Their research spans from molecular mechanisms to preclinical models, with strong collaborations across immunology, oncology, and nanotechnology.