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FLI - Institute of Immunology (FLI - IFI)

Institution

Description

Immunological research aims at the elucidation of the cellular and humoral immune responses to virus infections, with special emphasis on the analysis of T-cell dependent immune mechanisms as well as cytokines and chemokines to improve the efficacy of viral vaccines. For this purpose, research is performed in pigs as well as experimental rodents such as mice rats and hamsters. The interaction between viruses and immune cells are studied in order to elucidate immunological pathways after virus infections on the B- and T-cell level. In addition host-virus interactions relevant to the induction of immunological responses are investigated on the cellular level including signal transduction. The model of pestivirus infection is used to identify factors relevant to virulence and to understand their biological roles in disease. Boma disease is investigated as a model of a T-cell mediated immunopathological disease in natural hosts and laboratory animals, where emphasis is given to protective mechanisms by an early induction of humoral and cellular immune reactions; in addition, cellular mechanisms are investigated which result in degeneration of cells of the central nervous system. This work supplements ongoing investigations on pathological changes seen in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Furthermore, investigations on the pathogenesis of prion disease are performed, including molecular biological and cell biological projects. In addition to research on the contribution of the immune system to the pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies investigations on the structure and the inactivation of prion protein are performed. Research on fish rhabdoviruses centers on molecular epidemiology and the development of vaccines.

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Activities

  • Research

Contact

FLI - Institute of Immunology (FLI - IFI)
Südufer 10
17493 Greifswald
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Germany

Phone: +49 38351 7-1624

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