Institute of Experimental Virology

TWINCORE

Head: Prof. Dr. Thomas Pietschmann

Tel.: 0511/220027130

E-Mail: pietschmann.thomas@mh-hannover.de

www.twincore.de/forschung/institute/experimentelle-virologie/

The research focus of the Institute for Experimental Virology at TWINCORE is on the investigation of molecular replication mechanisms of human pathogens from the group of RNA viruses.

In 2014, a new working group of the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research was established within our institute. The group "Virustransmission" will be presented by PD Dr. Eike Steinmann directs and deals with the molecular mechanisms of virus transmission. Virus transmission mechanisms are examined and typical transmission paths are analyzed in order to estimate virus infection risks. In addition, the team is working to identify agents that can prevent virus transmission. As part of a new cooperation with Professor Heiner Wedemeyer and Dr. Ing. Patrick Behrendt (both from the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology of MHH) examines PD Dr. med. Eike Steinmann the replication of the hepatitis E virus (HEV). The aim is to jointly investigate HEV transmission pathways, virulence factors and replication mechanisms. On this basis, long-term new intervention strategies can be developed.

RNA viruses are highly variable pathogens that cause many human infectious diseases. RSV is widespread worldwide and above all a problem in infants and people with weakened immune systems, for example, by immunosuppression after transplantation. The virus triggers inflammation of the respiratory tract, which is sometimes difficult. Currently, there is little therapeutic options and no active vaccine that protects against infection with the virus. In collaboration with the Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology (Prof. Dr. Gesine Hansen) and the Institute of Virology (Prof. Dr. Thomas Schulz), we investigate host and pathogen determinants that influence the course of RSV infection. Here we focus on the importance of innate immunity genes as well as viral factors that mediate cell entry.

In the field of hepatitis C, we work with an ERC Starting Grant and in cooperation with the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology (Prof. Dr. Michael Manns) and the Institute for Experimental Immunology of TWINCORE (Prof. Dr. Ulrich Kalinke) on the development of small animal models for HCV. These models will be used in the future for studies on the pathogenesis of hepatitis C and for vaccine development.