Lars Nitschke

Lars Nitschke is a Professor of Genetics at the University of Erlangen-Nuernberg's Department of Biology since 2004. His research focuses on B cell immunology, particularly inhibitory receptors like CD22 and Siglec family members, and their roles in autoimmunity and immune tolerance. He has held positions including Group Leader at the University of Würzburg and Postdoc at the Max-Planck-Institute for Immunobiology. Awards include the German Society of Immunology's 'Fachimmunologe' (2004) and a Max-Planck fellowship (1989–1993).

His work explores genetic mouse models to study autoimmune diseases, B-cell signaling pathways, and the molecular mechanisms of immune tolerance. Key findings include the role of Siglec receptors in suppressing autoimmunity and their impact on B1 cell function and atherosclerosis progression. Nitschke has conducted sabbaticals at Monash University (Australia) and the University of Cambridge (UK), collaborating with leading immunologists.

Scientific awards highlight his contributions to immunology, including the 1998 Jubilee scholarship from Würzburg University. His research bridges molecular mechanisms and clinical implications, with studies published in journals like Journal of Experimental Medicine and Nature Immunology.