Predicting viral-immune co-evolution (B02)

• Subject Area: Virology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 325931972

Seasonal human influenza viruses, as well as SARS-CoV-2, undergo fast evolution driven by immune pressure of their host systems. In this project, we will develop predictions of future, yet unseen mutational steps of viral escape evolution from immune control. Combining genetic, phenotypic, and epidemiological surveillance and deep mutational scanning data, we will predict how specific molecular changes in viral proteins shape the global evolution of the virus. Prediction results serve to build a principled method for pre-emptive vaccine strain selection.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1310: Predictability in Evolution
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Michael Lässig