My Research Interest in RESIST |
Our department „Innovative Organoid Research“ leverages advanced technologies to deepen our understanding of host-pathogen interactions. Our focus is on utilizing organoids, which are three-dimensional models that accurately mimic human organs. These organoids, produced with high reproducibility and scalability thanks to state-of-the-art robotic systems, ensure consistency across experiments and enhance our capacity for larger studies.
The organoid models developed at HZI are versatile, enabling us to complexify studies by incorporating various cellular components for a more accurate simulation of human tissues. This approach is essential for studying infections, testing vaccines, and developing new therapeutic strategies. A substantial part of our research involves using effector proteins to explore host-pathogen interactions. These proteins are crucial in influencing host cellular functions to favor pathogen survival and proliferation.
Through these innovative approaches, our department aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application, providing new insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatments.
Prof. Penninger
Prof. Dr. Josef Penninger – Curriculum Vitae
Current Position
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Training
Academic and Research Posts
Other Scientific Roles
Awards and Prizes

10 Selected Publications
Zhu, R., D. Canena, M. Sikora, M. Klausberger, H. Seferovic, A. R. Mehdipour, L. Hain, E. Laurent, V. Monteil, G. Wirnsberger, R. Wieneke, R. Tampé, N. F. Kienzl, L. Mach, A. Mirazimi, Y. J. Oh, J. M. Penninger, G. Hummer, P. Hinterdorfer. 2022. Force-tuned avidity of spike variant-ACE2 interactions viewed on the single-molecule level. Nat Commun 13: 7926. PMID: 36566234
Paolino M., R. Koglgruber, S. J. F. Cronin, I. Uribesalgo, E. Rauscher, J. Harreiter, M. Schuster, D. Bancher-Todesca, B. Pranjic, M. Novatchkova, J. P. Fededa, A. J. White, V. Sigl, S. Dekan, T. Penz, C. Bock, L. Kenner, G. A. Holländer, G. Anderson, A. Kautzky-Willer, J. M. Penninger. 2021. RANK links thymic regulatory T cells to fetal loss and gestational diabetes in pregnancy. Nature 589: 442-447. PMID: 33361811
Monteil V., H. Kwon, P. Prado, A. Hagelkrüys, R. A. Wimmer, M. Stahl, A. Leopoldi, E. Garreta, C. Hurtado Del Pozo, F. Prosper, J. P. Romero, G. Wirnsberger, H. Zhang, A. S. Slutky, R. Conder, N. Montserrat, A. Mirazimi, J. M. Penninger. 2020. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Engineered Human Tissues Using Clinical-Grade Soluble Human ACE2. Cell 181:905-913. PMID: 32333836
Wimmer R. A., A. Leopoldi, M. Aichinger, N. Wick, B. Hantusch, M. Novatchkova, J. Taubenschmid, M. Hämmerle, C. Esk, J. A. Bagley, D. Lindenhofer, G. Chen, M. Boehm, C. A. Agu, F. Yang, B. Fu, J. Zuber, J. A. Knoblich, D. Kerjaschki, J. M. Penninger. 2019. Human blood vessel organoids as a model of diabetic vasculopathy. Nature 565: 505-510. PMID: 39651639
Elling U., R. A. Wimmer, A. Leibbrandt, T. Burkard, G. Michlits, A. Leopoldi, T. Micheler, D. Abdeen, S. Zhuk, I. M. Aspalter, C. Handl, J. Liebergesell, M. Hubmann, A.-M. Husa, M. Kinzer, N. Schuller, E. Wetzel, N. van de Loo, J. A. Zepeda Martinez, D. Estoppey, R. Riedl, F. Yang, B. Fu, T. Dechat, Z. Ivics, C. A. Agu, O. Bell, D. Blaas, H. Gerhardt, D. Hoepfner, A. Stark, J. M. Penninger. 2017. A reversible haploid murine embryonic stem cell biobank resource for functional genomics. Nature 550: 114-118. PMID: 28953874
Stadlmann J, J. Taubenschmid, D. Wenzel, A. Gattinger, G. Dürnberger, F. Dusberger, U. Elling, L. Mach, K. Mechtler, J. M. Penninger. 2017. Comparative glycoproteomics of stem cells identifies new players in ricin toxicity. Nature 549: 538-542. PMID: 28959962
Hashimoto T, T. Perlot, A. Rehman, J. Trichereau, H. Ishiguro, M. Paolino, V. Sigl, T. Hanada, S. Lipinski, B. Wild, S. M. R. Camargo, D. Singer, A. Richter, K. Kuba, A. Fukamizu, S. Schreiber, H. Clevers, F. Verrey, P. Rosenstiel, J. M Penninger. 2012. ACE2 links amino acid malnutrition to microbial ecology and intestinal inflammation. Nature 487:477-81. PMID: 22837003
Imai Y., K. Kuba, S. Rao, Y. Huan, F. Guo, B. Guan, P. Yang, R. Sarao, T. Wada, H. Leong-Poi, M. A. Crackower, A. Fukamizu, C.-C. Hui, L. Hein, S. Uhlig, A. S. Slutsky, C. Jiang, J. M. Penninger. 2005. The SARS-coronavirus receptor ACE2 protects from severe acute lung failure. Nature 436: 112-116. PMID: 16001071
Crackower M., R. Sarao, G. Y. Oudit, C. Yagil, I. Kozieradzki, S. E. Scanga, A. J. Oliveira-dos-Santos, J. da Costa, L. Zhang, Y. Pei, J. Scholey, C. M. Ferrario, A. S. Manoukian, M.C. Chappell, P. H. Backx, Y. Yagil, J. M. Penninger. 2002. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 is an essential regulator of heart function. Nature 417:822-828. PMID: 12075344
Kong Y., U. Feige, I. Sarosi, B. Bolon, A. Tafuri, S. Morony, C. Capparelli, J. Li, R. Elliott, S. McCabe, T. Wong, G. Campagnuolo, E. Moran, E. R. Bogoch, G. Van, L. T. Nguyen, P. S. Ohashi, D. L. Lacey, E. Fish, W. J. Boyle, J. M. Penninger. 1999. Activated T cells regulate bone loss and joint destruction in adjuvant arthritis through osteoprotegerin ligand. Nature 402:304-309. PMID: 10580503
