Max J. Kellner

A scientist wearing a lab coat is shown from behind, as she works at a fluorescence microscope.

Think outside the box and address the most pressing challenges in infection research with us!🧑‍🔬 We're offering 10 PhD positions at five HZI sites across Germany.
👉Don’t miss out—apply by February 28, 2026 and contribute to shaping the future of infection research
jobs.helmholtz-hzi.de/job/Braunsch...

Thank you @imbavienna.bsky.social and @vbcscitraining.bsky.social for providing an environment for growth beyond expectations. The awarded work would not have been possible without the amazing support and mentorship from everyone along the way. Deeply grateful 💙

Thank you Martin, means a lot. The feeling is truly mutual!

Lichtmikroskopische Aufnahme eines Darmorganoides aus Gewebe von Nilflughunden

🦇 Fledertiere können verschiedene hochgefährliche Viren in sich tragen, ohne sichtbar zu erkranken. @mjkellner.bsky.social & @penningerlab.bsky.social haben nun die zellulären antiviralen Abwehrmechanismen in den Schleimhäuten der Tiere untersucht.
www.helmholtz-hzi.de/media-center...

Bat organoids reveal antiviral responses at epithelial surfaces - Nature Immunology Kellner et al. develop respiratory and intestinal organoids from Rousettus aegyptiacus to show elevated basal expression of interferon-ε (IFNε) and IFN-stimulated genes, along with robust, self-amplifying type III IFN responses that drive antiviral defense against zoonotic RNA viruses.

Hi 🦋 I’m thrilled to share that our #bat #organoid work has found a publishing home in Nature Immunology!

These models provided unprecedented insight into antiviral immunity at epithelial surfaces of the Egyptian fruit bat 🦇 — a natural reservoir of Marburg virus 🦠

www.nature.com/articles/s41...