Research at the institute
Research at the institute
The institute's research concentrates on HBV-, HCV and HIV-host interactions and the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
Two research groups study chronic viral hepatitis, which often leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. By unravelling cell-autonomous, as well as systemic innate and adaptive host immune responses, the Protzer group focuses on how hepatitis viruses manages to establish often life long infection and contributes to liver disease and cancer. Studies in mouse models and primary as well as permanent cell cultures will help to define novel therapeutic targets and to establish immunotherapeutic approaches. The Bruss group studies the molecular biology of HBV with special emphasis on virus maturation.
A second research focus is retroviral persistence in humans with particular emphasis on virus-cell interactions involved in HIV persistence and HIV-associated encephalopathies. The Brack-Werner group investigates cellular mechanisms of HIV control and cellular functions modified by HIV persistence and their impact on chronic diseases. Since human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are integral parts of our genome, the Leib-Mösch group studies their contribution to disease pathogenesis and how other pathogens interact with HERVs. The knowledge gained from these studies contributes to the development of new preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic concepts for the control of human retroviral infections.
A third research focus is the immunology and the use of modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), which is used as a vaccine vector for infectious diseases and cancer. The Drexler group dissects basic requirements for efficient induction and maintenance of MVA-mediated immunity in animal models and in clinical studies. This shall offer new approaches for viral vector design and target antigen formulations with improved efficacy. The knowledge is used to develop optimized MVA-based preventive and therapeutic vaccine strategies for viral hepatitis and HIV infection. Based on a first clinical trial with an MVA-HIV-nef vaccine, we currently plan a second clinical study using MVA-based vaccines. The Immunomonitoring group was established to escort clinical trials and monitor immune reponses against viral pathogens.