Malte Wehmeyer

Malte Wehmeyer is an academic researcher affiliated with the University of Hamburg's Medical Faculty, specifically within the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). His work focuses on advancing understanding and treatment of liver diseases, particularly autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), viral hepatitis (HCV/HDV), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and complications of liver cirrhosis. He leads or collaborates on clinical trials exploring novel therapeutic targets, such as omics-driven approaches and anti-inflammatory agents like infliximab. His research also addresses immunological mechanisms in liver diseases and vaccination responses in immunocompromised patients (e.g., transplant recipients).

Key research areas include: 1) AIH pathogenesis and clinical trial validation of therapies targeting TNF-alpha and other mediators. 2) Molecular mechanisms in NAFLD progression, including roles of TREM2 and myeloperoxidase. 3) Diagnostic accuracy of mini-laparoscopy for abdominal TB and sampling errors in AIH staging. 4) Immune response dynamics in liver transplant patients and cirrhotic populations during SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. His work bridges translational research and clinical practice, with a focus on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based interventions.

• Notable contributions: Proof-of-concept trials for TNF-alpha inhibitors in AIH, clarifying HLA haplotype risks in cholangitis, and evaluating proton-pump inhibitor discontinuation in cirrhosis.
• Collaborations: Multicenter studies on HCV treatment (GECCO cohort), SARS-CoV-2 immunity in liver patients, and STOPPIT trial on PPI use.