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Welcome to the Team – Kirsten Mertz Lab!
Prof. Dr. Kirsten Mertz is a pathologist who studies the molecular pathogenesis of infectious diseases and host-pathogen interactions at the tissue level. Her aim is to contribute to the mechanistic understanding of infections, by linking tissue morphology, molecular pathology and microbiology.
Prof. Mertz’s research emphasizes the bidirectional nature of these host-pathogen interactions, as the course of infections is determined by the susceptibility of patients and the adaptation of bacterial or viral pathogens to the host. The analysis of host-pathogen interactions in her lab has two starting points: Patients presenting with clinical symptoms of suspected infectious etiology, or confirmed infections with an unusual spectrum of tissue reactions, e.g. in patients treated with immunosuppressants or in tumor patients. Her integrative approach combines traditional histopathology and cutting-edge molecular techniques. It enables the discovery of novel pathogens and the detailed characterization of reactive and adaptive changes in infected tissues. These contributions are expected to enhance diagnostic precision and improve patient care.
In addition, she is investigating how patients’ susceptibility to infections changes in the context of tumors or immunomodulatory treatments. By understanding how pharmacological interventions affect pathogen profiles, her work aims to develop strategies to prevent and manage infections in immunocompromised patients.