The institute's research activities focus on the molecular understanding of virus-host interactions. Based on this understanding, we develop and improve therapeutic strategies for viral infections and related diseases. We are mainly interested in persistent viruses, which may cause chronic diseases such as AIDS or viral hepatitis. We also investigate viruses as inherited risk factors for diseases and exploit viruses as vaccine vectors and therapeutic tools.

To translate basic science findings into prevention and therapy of viral diseases, we join our forces with the Institute of Virology at the Technische Universität München and closely collaborate with its university hospital „Rechts der Isar“.