Research interests
Our research activities focus on the molecular biology of influenza viruses. Despite significant advances in vaccine and drug development over the past years, influenza viruses continue to pose a major threat to humans and animals. Research into cellular functions and structures that are essential for the replication of influenza viruses can be expected to reveal new targets for the development of innovative anti-viral intervention strategies. To date, however, information on factors and mechanisms that are important for influenza virus replication remains limited.
Our work is aimed at identifying virus-cell interactions that regulate influenza virus replication, with a special focus on the role(s) of cellular signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, we are interested in viral factors that allow influenza viruses to infect specific hosts. Plasmid-based “reverse genetic systems” for the de-novo generation of influenza viruses are extensively used in the laboratory. Our work includes both human and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses most of which require work in BSL-3 laboratories (which we manage). The scientific questions we address in the laboratory are closely linked to clinical virology research and offer interesting opportunities to translate information derived from fundamental virological and cell biological studies into clinical applications („bench to bedside“).
Our projects are imbedded in various national and international research organisations/programs.
Funds
- Collaborative Research Centre (SFB 1021)
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung
- Deutsches Zentrum für Lungenforschung
- FluResearchNet
- Universities of Giessen & Marburg Lung Center
Group Members