Molecular Mechanisms of Viral Pathogenesis

Viruses exploit the host cell’s activities for their own propagation. The resulting cell and organ damage is manifested as disease symptoms. This programme area investigates the underlying mechanisms. 

Basic virological research© Adobe Stock/ j-mel

One line of research is to investigate the interactions of viral components with host proteins and structures. Another is to characterise the effect of viral replication on host metabolism and function. As such, viruses serve as important tools for understanding fundamental cellular mechanisms including defence reactions or tumour development. Insights gained from this work may also form the basis of new therapies.

The Molecular Mechanisms of Viral Pathogenesis program area is dedicated to basic research in experimental virology. The common goal is to investigate mechanisms that are essential for viral replication and pathogenesis.

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