Liesz Lab | ISD Research

We are interested in the interplay between the brain and the immune system after stroke. Acute brain lesions disturb the well-balanced interconnection between both systems. Hence, our research focuses on both directions of brain-immune interaction: The impact of immune mechanisms on neuronal damage and recovery and the systemic immunomodulation after stroke.

Our methodological spectrum covers diverse brain ischemia models, transgenic animal models, a broad spectrum of cutting-edge immunological techniques as well as histological, biomolecular and behavioral analysis tools. The lab has a strong translational research focus with the ultimate goal to develop novel diagnostic tools, therapies and mechanistic insights on the highly complex disease which stroke represents.

Currently, the laboratory focuses on the following main research topics within the area of brain-immune interaction:

Cerebral lymphocyte invasion: beyond the vasculature

One focus of our research is the migration of pro-inflammatory leukocytes to the ischemic brain (Brain, 2011). We are investigating pathophysiological mechanisms of leukocyte-endothelial interaction and novel therapeutic approaches for translational use (Science Translational Medicine, 2015). We have previously identified the choroid plexus as a previously unrecognized invasion pathways (Acta Neuropathologica, 2017) and are further striving to understand the differential role of alternative invasion routes to the injured brain.

Chronic neuroinflammation: friend or foe in post-stroke recovery?

We have recently identified that acute brain ischemia not only induces acute inflammation but results in long-lasting and profound neuroinflammation (Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2021). These findings suggest either a deficiency in endogenous resolution mechanisms or a preponderance of currently unknown mechanisms driving chronic immune activation after stroke. We try to elucidate the underlying mechanism and study how chronic neuroinflammation affect the chronic recovery after stroke.

Trained immunity in Brain-Body communication

_Stroke not only leads to a chronic local neuroinflammatory response, but also to a long-lasting alteration in peripheral immunity. We have previously identified trained immunity (innate immune memory) as a mechanism leading to secondary organ dysfunction after stroke (Cell, 2024). We aim to further explore this novel research concept of brain-body communication, focusing on discovering mediators leading to bone marrow reactivity after stroke, therapeutic approaches to modulate post-stroke trained immunity, and explore its relevance for secondary remote organ damage after stroke.

Inflammasome activation in post-stroke sterile inflammation

We previously described alarmins as key mediators leading to the exacerbation of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis after stroke (Science Translational Medicine, 2018; Nature, 2024). Currently, we aim to expand our knowledge on the role of circulating blood factors in inducing inflammasome activation and sterile autoinflammation after stroke. These research efforts are pursued within the Liesz lab by the “Team Inflammasome” (> see here for more details).

Stefan Roth, Team leader “Infammasome Biology in Stroke”

I studied biology with majors in immunology, human genetics and virology at the University of Tübingen. After finishing my diploma on neurodegeneration in CAG-repeat disorders in 2013 in Tübingen, I joined the Liesz lab to study the impact of systemic sterile inflammation after stroke. I focus in my work particularly on the correlation between stroke and vascular inflammation. In my life outside the lab, I love to travel, play badminton and squash. I also have a great interest in historic cars and enjoy restoring them.

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Gemma Llovera, Senior Staff Scientist

After obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Biology and my master’s degree in Neuroscience from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, where I studied the astroglial response in neonatal stroke, I decided to make a major change in my life. It was in 2013 when I decided to join Liesz’s lab. Over the years, among other projects, I have investigated alternative pathways for leukocyte infiltration following a stroke, organized multicenter preclinical studies on stroke, and conducted research on transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Now, as a senior staff scientist, I balance research project management with mentoring young talent. Outside the lab, I enjoy going on bike rides with my family along the trails in the Allgäu region.

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Alessio Ricci, Postdoctoral fellow

I am originally from Italy, where I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Neuroscience in Pisa. I began working on stroke research during my Master’s thesis, focusing on electrophysiological predictors of stroke recovery. During my studies, I developed a deep fascination with the nervous system and its extraordinary complexity.

In October 2019, I started my PhD in the Liesz Lab, where I had the opportunity to explore another captivating field: the immune system. Specifically, I investigated the role of T cells in stroke recovery. I am now continuing my work as a postdoctoral researcher in the lab, where my current focus is on antigen-dependent T cell responses following stroke. Outside of research, I am an avid cook and baker, and I enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.

Yuling Zhao, Postdoctoral fellow

I come from China and completed my PhD at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg. During my PhD, I studied how chromatin organization changes during cell-state transitions, which sparked my interest in how multiple layers of chromatin regulation work together. I am now a postdoctoral fellow in the Liesz Lab, supported by the NOMIS foundation as a NOMIS Fellow since 2026. Here, I explore the role of epigenetic regulation in innate immune memory after stroke, a fascinating model that allows me to extend my previous research interests into a new biological context. I enjoy combining advanced experimental approaches with multi-omics to explore these questions from different angles. Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking dishes from different cuisines, learning languages and music instruments, and exploring new places. And now, of course, I do almost everything together with my newborn.

Kelsey Pinkham, PhD student

After obtaining a B.Sc. in Biology, I began my research career in the field of Glioblastoma in Boston, MA. During my first international trip to Italy, I fell in love with the idea of pursuing my PhD abroad. In October 2019, I began my studies as a PhD Fast-Track student at the LMU and joined the Liesz lab in April 2020. My focus is on the mechanisms underlying chronic microglia dysfunction after stroke. Outside of research I enjoy riding horses, traveling, cinema and my sweet German shepherd Cara.

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Rashween Singh, PhD student

After Graduating in Biological Sciences as a Gold medallist from the University of Delhi, I did my Master’s in the field of Immunology from the University of Bonn. Intrigued with the fascinating question of immunological responses post sterile injury in the brain, I joined Liesz Lab in February 2023 as a PhD student. My doctoral project aims at exploring innate immune responses, in the context of circulating cell free DNA during acute phase post stroke. In my free time I really enjoy travelling, trying new cuisines, and playing Badminton.

Margarita Dillinger, PhD student (joint with Götz lab)

Originally from Vienna, I completed my Master's in Molecular Biology, majoring in Biochemistry at the University of Vienna. Before starting my PhD in Munich, I had the privilege of doing research in Madrid and completing my master's internship in New York, where I fell in love with neuroscience. Intrigued by the neuroscience community in Munich and my interest in regenerative neurobiology, I had the opportunity to start my PhD as a shared PhD student in the Liesz and Götz Labs in September 2024. My project focuses on neuronal replacement strategies after ischemic stroke. In my free time, I enjoy dancing Jazz and Tango, running and reading fantasy books.

Levent Ölmez, MD student

I am originally from Cologne, Germany, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at Universität zu Köln. I then moved to Munich to pursue my master’s degree in Biomedical Neuroscience at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Here, I was particularly interested in exploring the interaction between the immune system and the brain. After I joined the Liesz Lab for my masters thesis, I decided to pursue a medical degree while continuing to work on my previous master’s project. In my free time, I enjoy playing chess and hiking in the mountains near Munich.

Elizabeth Lapshina, PhD student

I completed both my BSc and MSc degrees in Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University, Montreal, Canada, where I first became captivated by the complex and multifaceted nature of the immune system – in particular, trained immunity (innate immune memory) and its role in health and disease. During this time, I also grew increasingly fascinated by the complexity of neuroscience, which sparked a strong interest to study the interplay between these two biological systems. In February 2025, I joined the Liesz Lab to begin my doctoral studies, and my PhD project will explore the long-term effects of stroke on systemic organ dysfunction. Outside of the lab, you can find me playing ultimate frisbee, climbing, hiking, or doing photography.

Zhiyi Li, PhD student

I am originally from China and completed my master’s degree in Clinical Medicine at Zhengzhou University, focusing on neurology. I was drawn to neurology because the complexity and underlying logic of the nervous system remind me of the universe. In 2026, I joined the Liesz Lab as a PhD student, where I study antigen-specific T cell responses after stroke.Outside the lab, I enjoy reading and writing. I find writing fiction quite similar to doing research, as both require structure, careful thought, and passion.

Kristina Smith, PhD Student

I completed my MSc in Neuroscience at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where I developed a strong interest in neuroimmunology through research on multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. During my MSc research at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, I investigated cholesterol homeostasis and metabolic regulation in iPSC-derived microglia in the context of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alongside my academic training, I gained experience in pharmaceutical Medical Affairs and the health-tech startup environment, working at the interface of translational research, scientific communication, and product development. In September 2026, I joined the Liesz Lab as a PhD student. My research focuses on understanding how the chronic post-stroke environment drives persistent immune-metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming of microglia.

Sarah Slamova, Technical Assistant

I’m originally from Munich and completed my training as a medical-technical assistant (MTA) in 2024. I then joined the Liesz Lab, where I worked as a lab technician for two years. Alongside my work in the lab, I decided to pursue a medical degree at LMU.

My work in the lab mainly involves animal work, organizational tasks, and routine laboratory procedures. Outside the lab, I enjoy running and swimming, as well as cooking a nice meal and relaxing with a good book.

Key research achievements include the first report on the neuroprotective role of regulatory T cells in stroke (Nat Med, 2009) which has been reproduced over 20 times. We provided the first description of a bi-directional link between the brain and gut microbiota via immune-mechanisms in acute brain injury (J Neurosci, 2016). Our work on blocking leukocyte brain invasion by Anti-CD49d antibodies (Brain, 2011 and Science Transl Med, 2015) has led to already two completed clinical Phase II studies. Our work on sterile inflammation after stroke and its consequence for remote organ dysfunction has pioneered this new research field of post-stroke brain-body communication (Nature 2024; Cell, 2024).

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