LMU Medicine mourns the loss of Prof. Oliver T. Keppler, MD

Enlarge

Professor Keppler had been a full professor of virology at the Max von Pettenkofer Institute of the LMU Medical Faculty since 2015 and was a globally recognized expert in medical virology. Oliver Keppler grew up in Freiburg im Breisgau, attended Atlantic College in Wales, and studied medicine in Freiburg and Heidelberg. He discovered his interest in virology during his studies and began his research career with a doctoral thesis in virology at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, supervised by Harald zur Hausen, who later won the Nobel Prize, and Michael Pawlita. This was followed by several research positions, including a stay of several years in the USA in Mark Goldsmith's laboratory at the University of California at San Francisco. Back in Germany, Professor Keppler pursued scientific and medical activities at the Institute of Virology at the University of Heidelberg, where he also habilitated and obtained his specialist medical title. In 2012, he was appointed to the Chair of Virology at the University of Frankfurt. In 2015, he moved to the Medical Faculty of LMU, where his institute was designated a national reference center for retroviruses by the Federal Ministry of Health as a visible sign of its expertise. The Keppler Laboratory researches key mechanisms of virus-host interaction in HIV and SARS-CoV-2, as well as the development of chemotherapy resistance in cancer. Its main areas of focus are HIV-induced immune destruction and latency, the development of new antiviral approaches against SARS-CoV-2, and SAMHD1-dependent resistance mechanisms at the interface of virology and oncology.

Oliver Keppler has received numerous scientific honors for his achievements, including the Bavarian Order of Merit in 2022 for his work during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Oliver Keppler was a doctor and virologist with heart and soul. He was just as enthusiastic about basic research and the further development of molecular methods as he was about modern diagnostics, prophylaxis, and therapy for all kinds of viral diseases. The medical application of experimental research results was always his central mission, which he pursued with dedication. He always supported his entire team in research, diagnostics, and teaching, and encouraged each individual with appreciation. To his numerous students, colleagues, and working group leaders, he was a knowledgeable, critical, motivating, and above all, humane tutor and mentor.

Oliver Keppler was a warm-hearted person with a broad interest in science, culture, politics, and sports.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends. LMU Medicine mourns the loss of a special person and outstanding scientist. We will always honor his memory.