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German Center for Infection Research GERMAN CENTER FOR INFECTION RESEARCH Annual Report 2017 Title image: This shows an electron microscope image of a cluster of rod-shaped tuberculosis bacteria visible in pink. ANNUAL REPORT 2017 The DZIF at a glance The German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) coordinates and oversees the strategic planning of translational infection research within Germany. Its mission is to translate results from basic biomedical research into clinical research. 35 DZIF research centres work concertedly against the global threat of infectious diseases. Table of contents Editorial ................................................................................................................................................. 3 About the DZIF ................................................................................................................................... 4 Science – Translation in focus Emerging Infections .......................................................................................................................... 6 Tuberculosis ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Malaria ................................................................................................................................................ 10 HIV ....................................................................................................................................................... 12 Hepatitis ............................................................................................................................................. 14 Gastrointestinal Infections ........................................................................................................... 16 Infections of the immunocompromised Host ......................................................................... 18 Healthcare-associated and Antibiotic-resistant bacterial Infections .............................. 20 Novel Antibiotics ............................................................................................................................. 22 Research infrastructures Product Development Unit .......................................................................................................... 24 Clinical Trial Unit .............................................................................................................................. 24 African Partner Institutions ......................................................................................................... 25 Novel Antivirals ................................................................................................................................ 25 Biobanking ......................................................................................................................................... 26 Pathogen Repository ...................................................................................................................... 26 Bioinformatics .................................................................................................................................. 27 Epidemiology .................................................................................................................................... 27 DZIF Academy ................................................................................................................................. 28 Successful Translation .................................................................................................................... 29 DZIF Highlights 2017..................................................................................................................... 30 Science and public ........................................................................................................................... 32 External collaborations ................................................................................................................. 34 German Health Research Centres ............................................................................................. 37 Facts and figures Organisation and bodies ............................................................................................................... 38 Partner sites and member establishments .............................................................................. 40 Finances ............................................................................................................................................. 44 Personnel and awards ................................................................................................................... 46 Indicators 2017................................................................................................................................. 48 Publications ....................................................................................................................................... 50 Member establishments ............................................................................................................... 54 Imprint ................................................................................................................................................ 55 2 Editorial Martin Krönke, Ulrike Protzer, Dirk Heinz s part of an assessment spanning several centres in Further development of this vaccine to get it ready for A2017, the German Council of Science and Humanities clinical trial is carried out in cooperation with a German dealt intensively with the past and future development of the vaccine manufacturer (IDT Biologika GmbH) and is financially German Research Centres (DZG). It substantiates that the supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) can already Innovation (CEPI). demonstrate considerable success in terms of the expansion Myrcludex B is another example of successful translational and advancement of translational infection research in research at the DZIF. This peptide therapeutic agent Germany just a few years after its founding, and highlights developed at the Heidelberg location blocks hepatitis B and D the need for long-term orientation and institutional funding viruses from entering liver cells. The clinical trial of the novel of the DZIF. peptide in hepatitis D patients (Phase II) showed resounding The global challenges posed by infectious agents actually success and promptly received the “PRIME” seal from the demand patience and persistence. One of the highly debated European Medicines Agency (EMA): This distinguishes health policy issues in 2017 was the rapid spread of antibiotic Myrcludex B as a particularly promising candidate for a new resistance–an issue that was discussed at both the G7 and antiviral drug and its development is given priority by EMA. G20 summits. At the G20 summit in Hamburg, the Global DZIF scientists in Tübingen have achieved immunisation Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Development Hub results of up to 100 percent in a clinical trial with an was created to coordinate the development of new antibiotics innovative vaccination approach against malaria. The vaccine and vaccines worldwide. The formation of the Global AMR is based on fully viable, non-attenuated malaria pathogens co- R&D Hub in Berlin is supported by the DZIF. administered with an antimalarial drug. In 2017, we decided The DZIF can already demonstrate tangible results. The to dedicate even more attention to malaria and the neglected Ebola epidemic in West Africa as well as the outbreak of the tropical diseases (NTD). Therefore, a new research focus on MERS coronavirus in Saudi Arabia have accentuated the this topic is being established at the DZIF. need for new vaccines and drug therapy options for these You can now read what the DZIF scientists were able to previously untreatable viral diseases. In less than two years, accomplish and achieve in 2017 in translational infection DZIF researchers successfully designed a MERS vaccine that research. We hope you enjoy this exciting report. has been shown to be highly effective in camels. DZIF e. V. Executive Board Prof. Martin Krönke Prof. Ulrike Protzer Prof. Dirk Heinz 3 ABOUT THE DZIF ABOUT THE DZIF Think globally–operate in a network The requirement for infection researchers to think beyond borders is greater than ever. Newly emerging pathogens such as Zika, Ebola or MERS viruses cause epidemics that require quick action, and increasingly resistant and multi- drug resistant bacteria call for new therapeutic options. The German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) is taking on these challenges: Thirty-five institutions across the nation have joined forces in order to develop new drugs, diagnostic products and vaccines faster. With partner institutions in Africa and Eastern Europe as well as through cooperation with international institutions, the DZIF is developing a globally unique infrastructure and opening up perspectives beyond the borders. BUILDING BRIDGES: TRANSLATION AS A MISSION Scientists and physicians in nine research areas are he DZIF bridges the gap between basic research and researching infectious diseases such as “Tuberculosis”, T clinical application: from test tube to patient, from testing “Malaria”, “HIV”, “Hepatitis” or “Gastrointestinal Infections”. to treatment. Scientists and physicians work closely together, The DZIF research areas also cover specific problem therefore the
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