The Virology Department focuses on understanding the virulence and pathogenesis of particular viral agents, especially classical swine fever virus and influenza A virus. In current projects, the Virology working group is collaborating with the Immunology working group to investigate how viruses affect the innate immunity of the host. The interferon signalling pathway is of particular interest in this respect. The findings from this work will contribute to our understanding of haemorrhagic disease systems which occur following infection with the above-mentioned viruses.
The methods established in the course of this work are important for both basic and applied research and often find their way into modern laboratory diagnostics.
This research also results in new approaches for the development of vaccines. We work closely with the Immunology working group to establish new methods for administering vaccines.
