Dr. György Fejer

Microbiologist & Immunologist

Associate Professor of Infection and Immunity at the University of Plymouth, UK

With a career spanning from Semmelweis Medical School in Hungary to the Max Planck Institute in Germany, and now at the University of Plymouth, my work focuses on the molecular mechanisms of lung macrophage functions in health and disease.

Research Focus

Macrophage Biology

My primary research investigates the molecular mechanisms of lung macrophage functions in health and disease, addressing critical roles in infectious diseases, cancer, metabolic disorders, and tissue homeostasis.

MPI Cell Lines - A Revolutionary Breakthrough

In 2013, I developed the MPI (Max Planck Institute) cells - continuously growing, non-transformed lung alveolar macrophage cell lines. This breakthrough addresses a major limitation in macrophage research:

• Self-renewing and continuously growing for over 2 years
• GM-CSF/STAT5-dependent growth
• Functionally resemble alveolar macrophages
• Can yield 20-30 million cells per flask (vs. 300,000 from one mouse)
• Potential to replace approximately 100 mice per year in research laboratories

Viral Immunology

My work on the MARCO receptor identified its crucial role as a scavenger receptor for adenovirus entry into macrophages, advancing our understanding of viral-host interactions and innate immune responses.

Current Projects

I am currently working on developing novel vaccine strategies against African swine fever virus, combining expertise in macrophage biology with veterinary immunology applications.

Selected Publications

Over 4,400 citations on Google Scholar

Key Publications:

• "Nontransformed, GM-CSF–dependent macrophage lines are a unique model to study tissue macrophage functions" - PNAS (2013) - 137 citations
• "Key Role of the Scavenger Receptor MARCO in Mediating Adenovirus Infection" - mBio (2017) - 80 citations
• "Crucial role for human Toll-like receptor 4 in the development of contact allergy to nickel" - Nature Immunology (2010) - 703 citations

Research Impact

My work has been recognized with multiple awards including the NC3Rs "Highly Recommended" prize and International 3Rs Prize commendation, highlighting the significant potential to reduce animal use in scientific studies.

Teaching & Mentorship

Academic Responsibilities

As an Associate Professor at the University of Plymouth, I am committed to excellence in higher education:

• Supervising doctoral research students
• Teaching in biomedical sciences programs
• Contributing to curriculum development
• Mentoring early career researchers

Qualifications

• PhD in Medicine - Semmelweis Medical School (1998)
• Residency in Microbiology (1995)
• PGCAP in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education - Plymouth University (2013)

Professional Memberships

Active member of the British Society for Immunology (BSI) and engaged in editorial and review activities for scientific journals.

Contact Information