Research

Bernhard Fleischer is known for his contributions to the field of cellular immunology. His most important discovery was the elucidation of the mode of action of the so-called superantigens.

Among other contributions are the first clonal analysis of the human T cell response in vivo, the description of novel signalling pathways in T lymphocytes and the analysis of the immune response in human infectious and autoimmune diseases. During his directorship the Bernhard Nocht Institute developed into an internationally renown reference centre for tropical medicine.