Hans-Hench-Award for Clinical Immunology for Stefan Heinen
 
Stefan Heinen from the HKI-Department Infection Biology was awarded with the Hans-Hench-Award for Clinical Immunology at the 1st Joint Meeting of European National Societies of Immunology, Paris, September 6-9, 2006. The distinction is sponsored by the Hans Hench Foundation for the Advancement of Rheumatology and is annually awarded by the German Society for Immunology.

In his dissertation Stefan Heinen investigated molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity of Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome and 'Dense Deposit Disease'. Defects in the human immune defense are responsible for both severe kidney diseases. Mutations in the complement regulator protein factor H cause a disorder of the complement activation cascade. Hence, cellular structures of the human kidney are recognised as nonself. They are attacked resulting in damage and failure of renal function.

The new insights might be the basis for promising therapeutic principles of both diseaeses.

Congratulations!