Viral vectors and vaccines
Viral vector vaccines
(Priv. Doz. Dr. Ingo Drexler)
Research focus
Our group focuses on the immunology of poxviruses. Working model is the modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) which is a highly attenuated vaccinia virus strain and currently tested as a vaccine vector against infectious diseases and cancer. We are interested to dissect the basic requirements for the efficient induction, expansion and maintenance of MVA-mediated immunity. Vaccines generated by us are studied in vitro and in vivo in preclinical animal models as well as in collaborative clinical studies. Particularly, we aim to characterize the molecular and cellular mechanisms which control and shape the quality and quantity of antigen-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses during viral infections or vector-based vaccination. This also includes to further our understanding of virus-host interactions on the molecular level.
Our research is directed to develop new approaches for viral vector design, novel vaccine formulations with improved efficacy and optimized preventive and therapeutic MVA-based immunization strategies (e.g. vaccination protocols for T cell-pillowed immunotherapy).
