Our group is specialized in the global analyses of microbial communities in the mammalian gastrointestinal (GI) tract. We characterize interactions of gut bacteria with host cells and investigate the microflora composition in situations of intestinal inflammation.

Another research branch focussing on pathogenic bacteria in the GI tract, aims to further understanding of the biology of Campylobacter and Helicobacter species. We investigate molecular mechanisms underlying environmental adaptation, intestinal colonization capacity, and virulence.

Evaluation of molecular strategies for prevention and therapy of intestinal Graft-versus-Host-Disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in mouse models (funded by the “Deutsche José Carreras Leukämie-Stiftung e. V.”).