How adenoviruses control infections: DFG funds new research project

The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding a new research project of the Research Department Virus Transformation led by Prof. Thomas Dobner and Dr. Wing Hang Ip with a grant of around 300,000 euros over a period of 36 months.

The project entitled The role of the human adenovirus DNA-binding protein DBP in productive and abortive infections is dedicated to researching central mechanisms of adenovirus infection. The focus is on the viral DNA-binding protein DBP, which plays a key role in the transition from the early to the late phase of infection.

The aim of the project is to decipher the function of DBP in the formation and assembly of viral replication complexes, viral DNA replication and gene expression. In particular, the project will investigate how DBP distinguishes productive from abortive infections - a process that is still poorly understood and highly relevant for viral biology and potential therapeutic approaches.