Field of Research:
Gastroenterology
In Germany:
01.12.2013 -
31.12.2014
Host's project description
The human body is under constant threat to be invaded by pathogens. Infectious diseases, such as HIV, viral hepatitis, malaria, and tuberculosis are amongst the most prevalent causes of death. The human body has developed a powerful immune system, which efficiently eliminates pathogens. However, the rigorous battle may cause collateral damage to our own cells, which even can exceed the damage caused by the pathogen itself. Moreover, our immune system may erroneously consider our own cells and structures as foreign, by mistake attack those and thus cause autoimmune disease, such as type I diabetes. The research of Dr. Lang aims to unravel the causes for errors of the immune system. In the past, he has discovered why viral disease could trigger type I diabetes. He now explores why some 20% of patients with hepatitis do not eliminate the virus but may end up with complete destruction of this essential organ. His most recent research discloses that the course of hepatitits critically depends not only on the immune system, but also on specific genes of liver cells. Dr. Lang hopes that understanding the causes of error will allow restraining the immune system and thus minimize collateral damage and self-destruction.
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Home Institute
Universitätsklinikum Essen
Universität Duisburg-Essen
Hufelandstraße 55
45147
Essen
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