Über uns
Über uns
The mission of the research group is to uncover the structure, function and infection mechanisms of important viruses. Highly pathogenic viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) are invesatigated, but we also explore the infectious cycle of bacteriophages (e.g., T7). The research group has been established and funded from a Hungarian Research Network Grant.
Forschungsbereiche
Epidemiologically important pathogenic viruses are investigated (SARS-CoV-2 variants, crimean congo hemorrhagic fever virus, influenza viruses, Wert Nile and Nipah viruses) in co-operation with the Hungarian National Biosafety Laboratory. The experimental strategies target several levels of the biological hierarchy, from single molecules to living organisms. At the molecular level we investigate the properties of proteins and nucleoprotein assemblies (e.g., spike). At the supramolecular level we explore the topographical structure and nanomechanics of individual virus particles, by using AFM and AFM/STED combination. Mechanistic details of viral life cycle are uncovered in model systems by using optical tweezers. At the level of the organism, the infectious mechanisms are investigated by using in vivo imaging modalities (e.g., PET/MRI, SPECT/CT, fluorescence) in model animal systems (e.g., hamster, mouse). Our research is significant as lends hope for the understanding of virus infection mechanisms and for developing therapeutic strategies against them.