Precision Therapeutics to Eliminate Viral Reservoirs

Viral infections, from the rapidly spreading acute respiratory viruses, like Influenza and severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to persistent viruses, such as the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and Hepatitis B and C, pose significant global health challenges. Viruses evade the immune system and infection might lead to long-term health issues and post-acute sequelae.Currently, no specific therapeutics are available against most viral pathogens and no antiviral therapy exists that specifically eliminates infected cells to cure chronic infections.

Recently, we established VSV particles lacking their G-Glycoprotein (ΔG) but carrying Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), the entry receptor of SARS-CoV-2, as a novel, highly specific class of antivirals (Zech et al., STTT, 2023). We now aim to broadened our approach to other high risk and emerging enveloped viral pathogens, focusing on those for which no specific antiviral therapy is available or which establish long-term viral reservoirs.

VSVΔG carring ACE2 specifically target cells expressing the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein.

Current Lab Members