Translational Neuroimmunology

Oertel Lab

Translational Neuroimmunology

Profile

We are a translational neuroimmunology lab at the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the Max Delbrück Center and Charité Berlin. Combining animal models and clinical studies, we investigate neuroinflammatory disorders with emphasis on neuroprotection, imaging, and the visual system.

Neurodegeneration is the leading cause of functional decline in neuroinflammatory disorders. Initiated by neuroinflammation and/or demyelination, patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neuroinflammatory disorders such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) undergo non-reversible neurodegeneration leading to major disability accrual. Although neuroinflammation and demyelination are targeted by existing or upcoming treatments, neurodegeneration can currently not be prevented or reversed. The goal of our lab is to identify characteristics of 1) neuronal vulnerability and of 2) innate immune cell activation that amplify neurodegeneration and can be therapeutically targeted. Our lab also contributes to 3) developing imaging markers for neurodegeneration in clinical trials.

The visual system offers a well-defined environment for these investigations due to various available innovative translational methods, a robust separation from nearby structures and clear structure-function-correlations. In our lab, we are combining advanced methods of preclinical (innovative mouse models, in vivo imaging, single-cell RNA sequencing) and clinical research (retinal imaging, artificial intelligence-based post-processing) in a unique translational approach to understand how we can reduce neurodegeneration and enhance neuroprotection in neuroinflammatory disorders.

 

Header image generated by DALL·E

Team

Postdoctoral Researchers

Mahsima Khoshneviszadeh, PhD

Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany

 

 

 

Master Students

Laura K Ismajli, BSc

Master's Program in Medical Neurosciences

Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany

 

 

Gelsomina N Kaufhold, BSc

Master's Program in Molecular Medicine

Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany

 

 

Medical Students

 

Henriette Reinsberg

Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Germany

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Bianca Knaack

Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany

Publications

Join us

Are you a bachelor or master student looking for an internship or thesis project? Are you planning to pursue a dissertation (PhD, MD/PhD, Dr. med.) or a postdoctoral fellowship? Whether you come from a clinical, computational or biology/neuroscience background: If you are interested in implementing translational projects, please contact us by email to discuss ideas.

Frederike Oertel
Dr. Frederike C Oertel, MD/PhD
Contact
Phone: +49 30 450540646
Max Delbrück Center
Robert-Rössle-Straße 10
13125 Berlin, Deutschland
Building 42-53, Room 1604