Chandra Kanth Kommana

EDUCATION

College / University

Gottfried Willhelm Leibniz University Hannover

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Subjects

Life Sciences

India

Lab Experience

qPCR, ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Organoid culture and model development (Tubuloids), Quantitative PCR (qPCR), Ex vivo skin stimulation assays, Electroporation, Forced degradation studies of antibodies & HPLC

Projects / Research

2024 - current: Investigation of indirect effects of immunomodulatory drugs on vaccine efficacy in immunocompromised individuals (Twincore, Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research GmbH and Hannover Medical School (MHH))
2024 - 2025: Immunomodulatory effects of PDE4 inhibitors on immune cells in skin and blood (Twincore, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research GmbH)
2023: In vitro organoid model development for ischemia–reperfusion injury and functional analysis of Clusterin (The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC))

Scholarships / Awards

2025 – 2026:	Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
2022, 2023, 2024:	Lower Saxony Scholarship
2023:	DAAD-Mitacs Scholarship

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

I’m interested in how the brain’s unique immune environment shapes both health and disease. Although the brain is protected by the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and often considered “immune-privileged,” I’m fascinated by what happens when this barrier is disrupted such as in multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders. These breaches allow immune cells from the periphery to enter the brain, sometimes triggering inflammation and damage that can result in long-term neurological problems. I am particularly interested in understanding the early immune system and brain interactions that occur during and after BBB disruption. By investigating these initial events, I aim to uncover mechanisms that could be targeted to prevent or treat neurological diseases associated with autoimmunity and barrier dysfunction, ultimately translating scientific knowledge into meaningful therapies for patients.