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Welcome to the Leibniz ScienceCampus

„Integrative Analysis of
pathogen-induced Compartments“

The Hamburg Leibniz ScienceCampus "Integrative Analysis of pathogen-induced Compartments" InterACt has set itself the goal of better understanding the role of compartments in the course of infection.

InterACt investigates the interaction between pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and parasites and the affected host. During the cellular infection cycle, pathogens use the existing reaction spaces of the host or create new ones. These reaction spaces or compartments protect the pathogens from the host's defenses and concentrate factors that contribute to the pathogen's multiplication. The dynamics, structure and function of these diverse reaction spaces is extremely complex and can only be analysed and understood in situ.
The Leibniz ScienceCampus InterACt has state-of-the-art imaging techniques at its disposal to analyse these processes. The resulting complex datasets are supplemented with data from complementary methods and integratively merged. The novel insights gained into pathogen compartments will ultimately help enable the discovery of innovative therapeutic approaches. InterACt provides the platform for combining Hamburg's expertise in the fields of infection, structural and systems biology with in situ imaging and bioinformatics methods.

Latest News

  • Prof. Dr. Thomas Dobner

    Scientific Director of the Leibniz Institute of Virology
    "InterACt networks the LIV closely with the UHH and the regional Leibniz institutes and focuses its activities on elucidating the role of the diverse reaction compartments occupied by pathogens during infection. In contrast to other Leibniz Campi, InterACt creates sustainable research infrastructures and new professorships in order to strengthen the network of existing expertise and technologies and to anchor previously missing or less occupied complementary aspects to the highest international level in this location."
  • Prof. Dr. Kay Grünewald

    Speaker of the Leibniz ScienceCampus InterACt
    "Viruses and other pathogens are masters in reprogramming their host cells. During the course of an infection, they use existing niches and induce completely new ones. This allow them to efficiently carry out essential parts of their replication cycle protected from cellular defense mechanisms. The study of such processes allows us to better understand the dynamics and plasticity of cellular mechanisms and ultimately to find new targets for interventions against these pathogens."
  • Prof. Dr. Heinrich Graener

    Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences at the Universität Hamburg
    "InterACt enriches the strategic planning of the faculty and its partners on the way to excellent infection research in Hamburg. The science campus permanently strengthens the cooperation between Universität Hamburg and the Leibniz Institutes, especially for the faculty in the subject areas of bioinformatics and structural and infection biology."