Michael Weichel
Papers
2
Total Citations
87
H-Index
2
About
Michael Weichel is a leading figure in molecular allergology, whose work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of fungal allergens and the immune response to them. His research centers on the structural biology of allergens and the development of high-throughput screening techniques for their discovery. Weichel’s most celebrated contribution is the pioneering application of phage display technology to clone and identify allergens, a breakthrough detailed in his highly cited 2004 paper (74 citations). This method enabled the rapid, unbiased discovery of IgE-binding proteins directly from patient sera. In a landmark study on *Aspergillus fumigatus*, he employed robotics-based high-throughput screening of cDNA libraries displayed on phage surfaces, revealing at least 81 distinct structures capable of binding IgE—a monumental leap from the handful previously known. This work, published in 2006, demonstrated the vast allergenic repertoire of this opportunistic fungus, identifying both species-specific and phylogenetically conserved antigens. Weichel’s contributions have provided critical insights into the molecular basis of fungal sensitization, paving the way for improved diagnostics and targeted immunotherapies for allergic diseases.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Cloning allergens via phage display74 citations · 2004
- 2