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.
Stepping stone to an academic career in Virology
On 23rd and 24th of March 2020 the second ACHIEVE Spring School of the Society for Virology (GfV) will take place in Berlin. This year's theme is "learning from each other - growing together" and the two days’ workshop will deals with the topic "professional development". We will have Experts talking about the behind the scenes of the path through an academic career, round table talks about shared experiences and tips from professionals: How do you write the perfect paper? What makes a good proposal, where can I obtain financial support? With regard to scientific content, we will deal with the highly topical issue of zoonoses, which always presents us with new challenges.
The programme is aimed at doctoral students from the fields of medicine, veterinary medicine or life sciences at the end of their doctoral studies and at postdoctoral fellows at the beginning of their careers. Places are limited to ensure optimal interaction between participants and guest speakers.
Programme
The participation of the students in the ACHIEVE Spring School is financed by a scholarship, which includes the costs for travel, accommodation and meals. An application requires membership to the Society for Virology and consists of a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation (maximum one page) and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. Applications can now be sent by e-mail to achieve@g-f-v.org
The closing date for applications is February 10th, 2020.
News
First robust cell culture model for the hepatitis E virus
A mutation switches the turbo on during virus replication. This is a blessing for research.
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...