GRK 2504:  Novel antiviral approaches: from small molecules to immune intervention

• Subject Area: Microbiology, Virology and Immunology
• Term: since 2019
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 401821119

The extensive gain of knowledge in virology and immunology during the last two decades provides a wealth of candidate antiviral targets and approaches, but prevention and treatment options for many viral infections remain unsatisfactory. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has underlined the continous threat by viral pathogens, but also revealed the potential of science and the pharmaceutical industry to rapidly develop vaccines and antiviral therapeutics. Encouraged by this example of successful translation of basic research in virology and immunology, the GRK 2504 focuses on novel antiviral strategies that bridge expertise in antiviral chemotherapy and immune intervention. Its educational objectives combine knowledge on both, basic and translational research concepts for innovative antiviral therapies and prevention measures. The expertise of the participating researchers in characterisation of antiviral mechanisms – ranging from target validation for small molecules and cell-intrinsic restriction to vaccination and adoptive transfer of adaptive immunity - provide a broad interdisciplinary basis for an efficient expansion towards translational research. Specific topics of the research projects cover interference with viral replication and transmission, exploitation of intrinsic and innate immune responses, and the optimisation of vaccination and adoptive cell therapy strategies. The methods applied span biochemical and bioinformatics analyses, peptide chemistry, cell culture and immunological assays, as well as preclinical models and clinical research. This complementary diversity allows vivid exchange and efficient cooperative, application-oriented developments. The training concept combines profound, internationally oriented scientific education with an early exposure to important aspects of translational research. Selected through a competitive recruitment procedure, junior researchers graduated in life sciences or trained in medicine are accompanied throughout their doctoral projects by a supervisor and two mentors. Regular seminars and retreats cover the topics of GRK 2504 and enhance scientific exchange and cooperation among the training members, supervisors and the international partners. Courses with external trainers enforce transferable skills required to efficiently communicate scientific contents. Training with regard to translational procedures comprise workshops on legal and patent issues as well as industrial approaches to product development, courses on clinical studies, and a visit to a biotechnological or pharmaceutical company. Thus, all training members are enabled to efficiently and successfully pursue their scientific projects and, in parallel, become acquainted with translational concepts, which are frequently important for their future professional careers.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Participating Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital; Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Klaus Überla
• Participating Researchers: Professorin Dr. Diana Dudziak; Privatdozent Dr. Jan Dörrie; Professorin Dr. Jutta Eichler; Professor Dr. Armin Ensser; Dr. Fulvia Ferrazzi; Professor Dr. Thomas Gramberg; Professor Dr. Thomas Harrer; Privatdozentin Dr. Bettina Hohberger; Dr. Dennis Lapuente; Dr. Christian Lehmann; Dr. Anja Lux; Professor Dr. Manfred Marschall; Privatdozent Dr. Frank Neipel; Dr. Christiane Krystelle Nganou-Makamdop; Privatdozent Dr. Kilian Schober; Dr. Eileen Socher; Professor Dr. Heinrich Sticht; Privatdozent Dr. Vladimir Temchura; Professor Dr. Matthias Tenbusch; Privatdozentin Dr. Andrea Karin Thoma-Kreß; Dr. Marco Thomas