Welcome at the Institute of Medical Biochemistry (ZMBE)!

At the Institute of Medical Biochemistry our research investigates the fundamental cell biological and biochemical mechanisms that govern immune cell behavior during inflammation, infection, and excessive immune responses. 

Our Immune System: The First Line of Defense
When our body comes under attack, the immune system responds immediately. The first responders are the innate immune cells, which react within hours to infection or inflammation. They trigger a rapid and effective defense to stop pathogens or toxins from spreading and to protect our tissues.

Immune Cells: Guardians of the Body
The body is equipped with diverse immune cells that constantly monitor our organs and safeguard us from harmful bacteria and toxins. Some of these cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and mast cells, are permanently stationed in tissues. Others, like neutrophils and monocytes, circulate in the bloodstream and are rapidly recruited to specific sites when needed.

A Complex Interplay
While much is known about the functions of individual immune cell types, how they coordinate their actions during an immune response remains less clear. We know that various signals within tissues can activate the immune system, but how these signals interact and shape immune cell behavior at sites of inflammation is still not fully understood. Equally, little is known about how immune cell activation is organized within the cells themselves.

Research Groups at the Institute
Several research groups at the institute study fundamental aspects of innate immune cell biology. The Research Group led by Tim Lämmermann explores how immune cells move and position themselves within tissues to ensure effective immune control. Their work focuses on understanding how individual cells and cell populations navigate the complex environment of inflamed tissue with precision and efficiency. The Research Group led by Angelika Rambold studies the intracellular organization of immune cells. Their goal is to uncover how cell organelles, their interactions, and their communication networks influence immune cell activation.
 

For more details about our projects and additional research groups, please visit the individual group pages.

The contact address of the Institute of Medical Biochemistry is displayed below.

Prof. Dr. Tim Lämmermann
Institut für Medizinische Biochemie
ZMBE
Von-Esmarch-Straße 56
D-48149 Münster
Email: laemmermann at uni-muenster.de
Phone: +49 251 83-56722

Office: 
Katja Zeyer
Phone +49 251 83-52118 / Fax -56748
e-mail: kzeyer at uni-muenster.de

See also our News from the Institute here.