Neuroinfectiology and Neuroinflammation

Research Group Käufer

Bridging Infections, Neuroinflammation, and Neurodegeneration

Our group investigates how acute infectious and inflammatory insults—particularly viral pathogens—trigger chronic neurodegenerative processes and proteinopathies. We aim to identify the mechanistic links between pathogen-induced neuroinflammation and the onset of diseases such as Parkinson's, following a One Health perspective that bridges veterinary and human medicine.

Christopher Käufer, PhD Group Leader (Habilitand)

Core Research Areas

• Pathogen-Driven Proteinopathy: Investigating the role of viral triggers (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, Zika, TMEV) in the accumulation of alpha-synuclein and other neurodegenerative markers.
• Neuro-Immune Interactions: Dissecting the contributions of peripheral immune cell infiltration and resident microglia to CNS damage and long-term neurological sequelae.
• Sex Differences in Neuroinfection: Researching how sex-specific factors and endocrine metabolism influence neuroinflammatory outcomes (Active focus within the COFONI network).

Methodological Expertise

We utilize a multidisciplinary approach to bridge the gap from basic mechanisms to clinical relevance:

• Advanced In Vivo Models: Specialized models for viral encephalitis, synucleinopathies, neurodegeneration and blood-brain barrier pathology.
• Pharmacological Characterization: Rigorous evaluation including dose-finding studies, pharmacokinetic (PK) profiling, and adverse effect assessment.
• Molecular Pathology: High-resolution analysis of protein homeostasis, neuroinflammation markers, and glial-neuronal interactions.
• Behavioral Phenotyping: Longitudinal assessment of motor and cognitive functions in neurodegenerative and post-infectious models.

Publications by Christopher Käufer

Find out more on Orcid.org