معرفی
Professor Ursula Rescher is a leading researcher at the University of Münster's Medical Faculty, where she heads the Rescher Group within the Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE) at the Institute of Medical Biochemistry. Her research focuses on regulatory mechanisms of inflammation, with particular emphasis on pathogen-host interplay, cell autonomous defense mechanisms, pattern recognition receptors, and endosomal sorting mechanisms. She participates actively in the 'Cells in Motion' initiative and leads research within the Priority Programme SPP 2225 'Exit strategies of intracellular pathogens', SFB 1009 'Breaking Barriers', and SFB 1348 'Dynamic Cellular Interfaces'.
Prof. Rescher's research program investigates key regulatory circuits controlling host inflammatory responses, with special focus on molecular mechanisms that lead to changes in cellular structure and function. Her work examines how cell surface receptors sense extracellular ligands and transmit signals to the cell interior, particularly studying G-protein-coupled receptors and Pattern Recognition Receptors. Another major research theme explores the late endosome as a critical hub for cargo segregation and as the site of endosomal escape for enveloped viruses, with implications for pharmacologic intervention. Her lab has made significant contributions to understanding annexin biology and its role in viral infection mechanisms.
Analysis of Prof. Rescher's recent publications reveals a strong focus on host-pathogen interactions, particularly regarding SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and other enveloped viruses. Her work demonstrates how endosomal maturation, cholesterol transport, and calcium control are coupled elements in endolysosomal maintenance that influence viral entry. A recurring theme across her publications is the exploration of host-directed antiviral strategies, including drug repurposing approaches targeting the endolysosomal system.
Prof. Rescher currently leads multiple significant research projects, including DFG Priority Programme SPP 2225 'Exit strategies of intracellular pathogens' (since 2024), IZKF Münster project on 'Dynamics of late endosomal Host-Pathogen Interface in Influenza Infection' (since 2020), DFG CRCB 1348 'Dynamic Cellular Interfaces' Project A11 (since 2018), and DFG CRC 1109/3 'Breaking Barriers' Project A06 (since 2012). She is an active member of the German Society for Virology (GfV), the National Research Platform for Zoonoses, and the British Pharmacological Society (BPS).
