Research Projects
Microbiome-based Strategies for Biocontrol of Preterm Necrotising Enterocolitis
DFG (CRC1371) – Microbiome signatures – P19 – PIs Deng/ Ebner (2024-2026)
The aim of this project is to evaluate a novel phage therapy for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) with regard to its antimicrobial efficacy, its impact on the host immune system, and its potential to improve clinical symptoms. Initial in vitro studies have identified highly active bacteriophages targeting NEC-associated pathogens and demonstrated their activity in bacterial cultures. Building on these findings, the project will investigate how phage therapy modulates microbiome composition, host immune responses, and disease progression in a translationally relevant setting. CRC spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Dirk Haller
Optimization of motherless piglet rearing through targeted exposure to maternal microbial communities
QS Wissenschaftsfond – PIs Ebner/ Hohensee (2024-2025)
This project aims to evaluate practical, non-invasive strategies for exposing piglets in artificial rearing systems to the microbiota of healthy sows in order to support optimal development. The focus is on improving gut maturation, lung development, and the establishment of a resilient immune system, with particular attention to mucosal immunity in the respiratory tract. Based on the collected data, the project seeks to derive practical recommendations for conventional artificial rearing systems to enhance animal health, immune competence, and overall performance.
Reducing Non-Human Primates in Non-Clinical Assessment: The European Initiative on Minipig and Micropig Models (NHPig)
EU (HORIZON-JU-IHI) – PI Ebner (WP3 Immune System) (2024-2028)
NHPig is an EU-funded research project aimed at transforming non-clinical safety assessment by use of mini- and micropig models. The goal is to expand and share biological knowledge on mini- and micropig models and improve the translational understanding between pig models and non-human primates (NHPs) and humans with the possibility to use these pig models as viable alternatives to NHPs in the nonclinical safety testing.
Link: https://www.nhpig.eu/
Establishment of a pig model for H. pylori vaccine candidate selection
DZIF TTU 06.916 Community-Acquired Infections At Mucosal Interfaces (CAIMI)
This project aims together with the group of Prof. Markus Gerhard to advance vaccine development against Helicobacter pylori, a major human pathogen associated with gastric ulcers and cancer, for which no effective vaccine currently exists. Building on earlier candidate identification, the objective is to validate selected antigens in a translationally relevant large-animal model – the piglet – to assess their capacity to induce robust mucosal immune responses. The ultimate goal is to establish potential correlates of protection and to provide a strong foundation for the design of a safe and effective vaccine suitable for progression into clinical development.
Link: www.dzif.de/en/community-acquired-infections-mucosal-interfaces
The role of antigen-specific T cells in parasite distribution and predisposition to Ascaris suum in pigs
DFG (GRK2046) – GRK 2046 (Parasite Infections: From Experimental Models to Natural Systems) – PI Ebner (C9) (2020-2024)
This project investigates the role of antigen-specific T cells in shaping host susceptibility and heterogeneity of Ascaris suum infections in pigs. The aim is to characterize the induction, expansion, phenotype, and function of parasite-specific CD4+ T cells during different stages of infection and to determine their contribution to variable worm burdens and infection outcomes. A key focus lies on understanding memory formation and recall responses, including their relevance for predisposition to re-infection. Experimental infections will be complemented by studies in naturally exposed pig populations, with additional attention to the impact of co-infections on species-specific T cell responses. GRK spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Susanne Hartmann (Freie Universität Berlin)
Link: https://www.vetmed.fu-berlin.de/en/einrichtungen/sonstige/grk2046/index.html
Funders
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