Asthma & Allergies
Asthma and allergic diseases are among the most common chronic conditions affecting the airways. Bronchial asthma is characterized by persistent inflammation of the airways, which can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Allergies arise from an exaggerated
such as pollen, house dust mites, or animal dander. Both conditions are closely linked and affect the quality of life of millions of people—often beginning in childhood. Despite modern therapies, many patients remain insufficiently controlled, and the causes of differing disease courses are not yet fully understood.
Research in Asthma & Allergies
Within the BREATH research network, scientists investigate the biological and immunological mechanisms underlying asthma and allergic diseases. Pediatric and adult pulmonology work closely together to better understand disease progression from childhood into adulthood. A key focus lies on the development and regulation of inflammatory processes in the airways, as well as the role of environmental factors, infections, and genetic influences. In addition, different asthma phenotypes and endotypes are analyzed to better understand disease-specific patterns.
Another major focus is the identification of new biomarkers to enable more precise diagnostics and individualized treatment strategies. A central resource in this context is the large-scale Alliance cohort of the German Center for Lung Research, in which patients with asthma and allergies are comprehensively characterized across different age groups. Clinical and translational studies further evaluate innovative therapeutic approaches, including immunomodulatory strategies and personalized treatment options. Through the close integration of basic research, clinical research, and health services research, BREATH contributes to translating new scientific insights into improved care for patients with asthma and allergic diseases.
Braun, Armin Prof. Dr.
Airway Immunology – Fraunhofer ITEM
DeStefano, Stephanie Dr.
Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology – MHH
Dittrich, Anna-Maria PD Dr.
Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology – MHH
Drick, Nora Dr.
Department of Pneumology and Infectious Disease – MHH
Fuge, Jan PD Dr.
Data Management and Statistics, Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology – MHH
Grychtol, Ruth PD Dr.
Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology – MHH
Hansen, Gesine Prof. Dr.
Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology – MHH
Happle, Christine Prof. Dr.
Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology – MHH
Krug, Norbert Prof. Dr.
Airway Research – Fraunhofer ITEM
Li, Yang Prof. Dr.
CiiM – HZI Braunschweig – MHH
Nejdl, Wolfgang Prof. Dr. techn. Dipl.-Ing.
Institute for Data Science – LUH
Schütz, Katharina PD Dr.
Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology – MHH
Schwerk, Nicolaus PD Dr.
Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology – MHH
Sewald, Katherina PD Dr.
Immune Pharmacology – and Toxicology – Fraunhofer ITEM
Wetzke Martin, Prof. Dr.
Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology – MHH
