Frank Heppner

Prof. Dr. Frank Heppner serves as a Group Leader and Professor at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Berlin, affiliated with Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. His research focuses on the role of the immune system in neurological diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders.

His work centers on neuroimmunology with emphasis on Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, investigating immune molecules like interleukins IL-12 and IL-23. Key discoveries include demonstrating that IL-12/23p40 inhibition improves Alzheimer's pathology and identifying IL-12 as the critical molecule. His group studies microglial cell biology in healthy and diseased brains and operates a BrainBank for preserving post-mortem neurodegenerative disease tissue.

Research aims to translate findings into clinical applications, including repurposing existing IL-12/23 inhibitor drugs for Alzheimer's treatment. Contact: frank.heppner@dzne.de.