Dr. Mohanned Alhussien
Emmy Noether Junior Research Group
Genetically Engineered Chickens as Tools to Study Interferon Functions in Immunity
Professorship of Reproductive Biology
Academic Career and Research Areas
Dr. Alhussien is an immunologist specializing in innate immune regulation in livestock. He earned his MSc and PhD in Animal Physiology and Immunology at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), India, where his research focused on cytokine-phagocyte interactions during health and disease. In 2021, Dr. Alhussien moved to the Technical University of Munich (TUM) to join the research group of Prof. Benjamin Schusser ( Chair of Reproductive Biotechnology ). His research was supported by grants from the TUM University Foundation, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and the Walter Benjamin Programme of the German Research Foundation (DFG). At TUM, Dr. Alhussien developed the first genetically modified chicken models lacking key interferon receptors. These models form the scientific basis for his Emmy Noether group.
Dr. Alhussien conducts research in the field of avian immune regulation, focusing on the biological roles of type I and type III interferons. His Emmy Noether group investigates how these cytokines coordinate cellular and mucosal immunity and shape antiviral and antibacterial defenses. Ultimately, the project aims to support research in avian and human health by advancing fundamental avian immunobiology, and supporting efforts to improve poultry health, reduce antibiotic use, and mitigate zoonotic risks.
Awards
- Emmy Noether Junior Research Group, DFG (2025)
- DFG Walter Benjamin Fellowship (2023)
- Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022)
- TUM University Foundation Fellowship (2021)
- Best PhD Thesis Award, ICAR-NDRI (2021)
Key Publications (all publications)
Alhussien MN, Vikkula HK, Klinger R, Zenner C, Früh SP, Negi R, von Heyl T, Schleibinger S, Brunner M, Berghof TV, Avolio L, Reich A, Schade B, Abukhadra BA, Rautenschlein S, Preisinger R, Sid H, Schusser B. Type I and type III interferon receptor knockout chickens: Novel models for unraveling interferon dynamics in influenza infection. eLife. 2025; 14: RP107855.
AbstractSomagond YM, Das P, Dang AK, Yadav DK, Kittur PM, Panda BSK, Devi P, Kamboj A, Alhussien MN. Parenteral micronutrient supplementation enhances mammary immune function and colostrum–milk quality by modulating cytokine profiles and oxidative stress in transition crossbred cows. Frontiers in Immunology. 2025; 16: 1669246.
AbstractSid H, von Heyl T, Schleibinger S, Klinger R, Nabel LH, Vikkula H, Guabiraba R, Guillory V, Scicluna R, Alhussien MN, Böhm B, Schade B, Elleder D, Sives S, Vervelde L, Trapp S, Schusser B. Genetic reinstatement of RIG-I in chickens reveals insights into avian immune evolution and influenza interaction. Frontiers in Immunology. 2025; 16: 1680791.
AbstractAlhussien MN, Dang AK. JAK3 and PI3K mediates the suppressive effects of interferon tau on neutrophil extracellular traps formation during peri-implantation period. Journal of Reproductive Immunology. 2021; 145: 103321.
AbstractAlhussien MN, Dang AK. Sensitive and rapid lateral-flow assay for early detection of subclinical mammary infection in dairy cows. Scientific Reports. 2020; 10(1): 11161.
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