Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases

• Persistent infections with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58 or 59 can lead to the development of ano-genital and oro-pharyngeal cancers. 
• HPV types from the beta genus have been implicated in the development of non-melanoma skin cancer in epidermodysplasia verruciformis patients and organ transplant recipients.

Our mission is to uncover the determinants of papillomavirus-induced cancer development at the molecular, cellular and systemic level using state-of-the-art techniques. We investigate viral entry, the viral life cycle and viral pathogenesis in vitro, in normal tissue culture, in three dimensional organotypic cultures and a rabbit model.

Secondly, we aim to improve current secondary preventive measurements to fight PV-associated pre-cancers and cancer by identifying optimal HPV diagnostic tests and by developing novel biomarkers for persistent infections or progressive disease.

Finally, we are working on novel approaches for the treatment of persistent infections as the major risk factor for progressive disease and a therapeutic vaccine for PV-associated cancers.