Research at the Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology

Main activities of the research groups at the Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology focus on persistent infections caused by herpesviruses and retroviruses.

Currently, thirteen independent research groups investigate issues of infection biology, tumor virology, vector development, antiviral therapy, native and adaptive immunity, signaling and epigenetic regulation of these viruses. Additionally, development of immunization approaches against HIV and viruses inducing respiratory infections as well as molecular characterization of immune response by use of biophysical methods are further main topics of research. A better understanding of molecular-virological and immunological processes should contribute to the development of new diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccination procedures.

Research Projects are supported by grants of Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG), European Commission (EU), the Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), National Institute of Health (NIH), the Bill & Mellinda Gates Foundation, Wilhelm Sander-Foundation as well as other foundations and industry.