Virology
Where virology expertise meets state-of-the-art technology in a collaborative research environment
RNA viruses represent a major threat to both human and animal health. They are responsible for widespread disease, mortality, and economic losses. Our research seeks to understand these viruses in detail, from molecular biology to cross-species transmission, and to apply that knowledge to develop vaccines, antiviral therapies, and diagnostic tools.
From fundamental knowledge to antiviral strategies
We study a broad range of viruses including:
- Coronaviruses (e.g. SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, hCoV-OC43, -HKU, PEDV, IBV, FIPV)
- Influenza A viruses (including zoonotic avian strains)
- Picornaviruses (e.g. enteroviruses, rhinoviruses, EMCV, FMDV)
- Paramyxoviruses (e.g. human parainfluenzaviruses, NDV)
- Caliciviruses (e.g. noroviruses, feline calicivirus)
- Herpesviruses (e.g. elephant herpesvirus, EEHV)
Virus structure, entry and host tropism
We investigate how viruses bind to host cell receptors, enter cells, and adapt to new species. This work helps us understand how viruses cross species barriers and cause new outbreaks in humans or animals.
Understanding the dynamic interactions between viruses and their sialoglycan receptors will help us to combat these pathogens
Our research covers receptor recognition, glycan interactions, and membrane fusion. We explore how viruses such as coronaviruses, influenza viruses, picornaviruses, and paramyxoviruses interact with protein and glycan receptors, and how these interactions determine host range. Our lab has identified several protein receptors for corona- and picornaviruses and has pioneered the field of structural glycovirology, combining structural biology and glycoscience to reveal how viral glycan interactions drive infection, species specificity, and immune evasion.
We also use advanced structural biology tools to visualize virus entry mechanisms. By mapping the architecture of viral attachment and fusion proteins, we gain insights into how viruses attach, enter, and evade immune responses.
Visualising viruses helps us understand their infection mechanisms and guide new therapeutic approaches
Our tools include cryo-electron microscopy, CRISPR-Cas9 screens, cell-based glycan arrays, biolayer interferometry, recombinant protein expression systems, and primary epithelial air-to-liquid interphase cell culture models, which allow us to study these interactions in detail.
Virus replication and host interaction
We examine how viruses replicate within host cells and how they manipulate cellular machinery to their advantage. Our work focuses on the formation of specialized replication compartments, hijacking of host proteins, and evasion of innate immune responses. We are also studying the structure of viral replication complexes, particularly in the context of enteroviruses, coronaviruses and noroviruses. Using high-resolution cryo-EM and cryo-tomography, we aim to define the molecular architecture of these complexes and understand how structural organization relates to genome replication and virion assembly. Furthermore, we study how cellular RNA sensors that detect viral genomes (e.g. MDA5, RIG-I and PKR) trigger immune responses. In turn, we study how viruses actively suppress these pathways to enhance their replication and spread.
Translating basic knowledge of virus replication and virus-host interactions into new approaches to treat infections
Our research combines advanced virology, biochemistry, cell biology, and imaging methods, including CRISPR-Cas9 screens, live-cell microscopy, and cryo-tomography.
Vaccines, therapeutic antibodies, and antiviral drugs
We use the insights gained from our research on virus entry and replication to design and test innovative antiviral strategies. Our group develops modified-live vaccines, recombinant protein vaccines, virus-like particles, and live-attenuated vaccine platforms targeting major pathogens, including coronaviruses, influenza viruses, and picornaviruses.
We are actively working on vaccines against animal coronaviruses, including infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in poultry — a major respiratory pathogen with significant economic impact. Other veterinary vaccine efforts include feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) (see below),
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we partnered with academic institutions and industry to bring new vaccines and antiviral treatments from bench to bedside with unprecedented speed. Our monoclonal antibody research led to major breakthroughs. Our lab discovered the first human monoclonal antibody (mAb 47D11) shown to neutralize SARS-CoV-2, and later a highly potent and broadly reactive antibody with strong protective capacity (mAb 87G7).
To prevent disease in animals and humans, we must understand how coronaviruses work
For picornaviruses and coronaviruses, we are actively identifying promising therapeutic candidates, including both small molecules and biologics. As part of this effort, we have participated in several large European Commission (EC) consortia, working closely with academic and industrial collaborators to accelerate the development of next-generation antiviral drugs.
We also explore alternative therapeutic approaches. One example is ensovibep, a DARPIN-based antiviral targeting SARS-CoV-2, whose development we contributed to. Building on this concept, we developed a complementary strategy using macrocyclic peptides, which combine the target specificity of biologics with the stability and scalability of small molecules. To advance this technology toward clinical application, we launched the biotech spin-off VirXcel, which is focused on developing innovative antiviral therapies based on macrocyclic peptide platforms.
This applied research is conducted in close collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, veterinary institutions, and public health organizations, ensuring that our discoveries are rapidly and effectively translated into real-world solutions.
Clinical and veterinary virology
Our research has real-world impact in clinical and veterinary settings. We study virus-induced diseases, diagnostics, and epidemiology, especially in companion animals but also in wildlife. In collaboration with the research group Clinical Infectiology we perform (sero)epidemiological studies into emerging infections of several viruses (e.g. influenza and coronaviruses) in cats, dogs, and other domestic animals, leveraging the molecular tools developed in our basic research.
Another major focus is on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and prevention of EEHV, which causes high mortality in young elephants. After having established that EEHV is present in essentially all adult elephants worldwide, we subsequently showed that young animals with weaning maternal antibodies are at risk to succumb to EEHV infection. Currently, a vaccine against EEHV is being tested in young elephants.
We apply (primary) cell culture models, recombinant protein expression systems, immunological assays, and field epidemiology to study infection dynamics and guide treatment or prevention strategies.
Computational and AI-enhanced virology
We are embracing artificial intelligence and computational tools across all areas of our research. From predicting viral protein structures and designing optimized vaccine antigens to modeling host–virus interaction networks, AI enables us to ask new questions and accelerate discovery. This integration supports both our fundamental research and translational efforts in drug and vaccine development.
