Virus-Host-Interaction

The Department of Virus-Host Interaction headed by Prof Dr Wolfram Brune focuses on the interaction of herpesviruses (cytomegalovirus CMV and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus KSHV) with host cells and the elucidation of the molecular basis of the species specificity of certain herpesviruses.

The aim of the research is to uncover the mechanisms by which herpes viruses influence the host cell's defence reactions (innate and intrinsic immunity). This should provide new insights into the defence mechanisms of the host and countermeasures of the virus. In addition, key molecules of virus-host interactions may serve as targets for new antiviral therapies.