Experimental Virology
Viruses are vehicles which transmit biological information, reprogramming the function of human, animal or plant cells to produce progeny virions. Viral pathogens are very small, often with a very simple structure. Indeed, enveloped viruses are composed only of a protein shell filled with genetic material, surrounded by a lipid envelope decorated with viral proteins. Nevertheless, viral pathogens like HIV or the hepatitis C virus (HCV) threaten the health of many millions of individuals. Important human pathogens among the group of RNA viruses include besides HCV alsothe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Chikunguna virus (CHIKV).
The institute comprises two research groups that focus on hepatitis viruses (HCV, HEV), RSV and CHIKV.
News
TWINCORE Seminar
Prof. Gregory Towers Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London "Catch me if you can! Cyclosporines cause innate immune sensing of both HIV and HCV" When: Tuesday 10 December 2019, 5 pm Where:...
Eliminating hepatitis C viruses effectively
TWINCORE researchers identify target on the viral envelope and develop customised agents. The treatment of hepatitis C has been based on specific effective antiviral medications for a number of years. Since future...
New Approaches for Vaccinations against Hepatitis C Virus
For a few years now infections with Hepatitis C virus can be efficiently treated and patients can be cured with modern medication. Nevertheless, researchers are looking for a vaccine against the virus, which has specialized...
Protein complex for hepatitis C-virus entry in liver cells is characterised
Hepatitis C virus chronically infects 70 million individuals worldwide. Although the infection can be cured with antiviral drugs, this therapy does not protect from a second infection with the same virus. Moreover, in patients...
Common disinfectants reliably kill Chikungunya viruses
Unser Klima verändert sich und damit auch die Verbreitungsgebiete von Infektionskrankheiten. Erkrankungen, die noch bis vor wenigen Jahren als reine Tropenkrankheiten galten, dringen inzwischen bis nach Europa vor. Einer dieser...