VIRO

The Institute of Virology (VIRO) research activities focus on the molecular understanding of virus-host interactions. Based on this understanding, we develop and improve therapeutic strategies for viral infections and related diseases.

corona virus 2019-ncov flu outbreak, covid-19 3d banner illustration, microscopic view of floating influenza virus cells

Viruses are important environmental risk factors to which humans are exposed. The Institute of Virology investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind the persistence and propagation of viruses that cause chronic infections and the potential of these viruses to cause diseases in humans. Unique cell culture and mouse models as well as archived human samples allow us to determine the molecular pathways involved in disease pathogenesis. On the basis of results obtained in molecular studies, we develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic concepts, use viruses as therapeutic tools and create strategies that are intended to prevent viral diseases.

Our scientific interest is to better understand the interaction of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) virus with their host and to develop new therapeutic strategies to treat chronic viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

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The aim of our research is to elucidate the functional role of HERVs during stem cell differentiation and brain development using cutting-edge technologies including advanced CRISPR techniques in combination with human stem cell differentiation, the generation of brain organoids (mini brains in the dish) and bioinformatics analysis of large datasets.

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Antibodies destroy an infected cell by a virus, immun defense kill the infected cell

Our lab is interested in the study of cell signaling pathways related to cell death and inflammation manipulated during host-pathogen interactions for novel therapeutic development.

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The Deng lab uses an integrative approach combining single-cell technologies, culture-independent techniques, multi-omics, and machine learning to understand the underlying mechanisms of phage-host interactions and their impact on the human host. Ultimately, we aim to develop personalized phage-based treatments against multiple human diseases and conditions.

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The main focus of our research is the analysis of the phenotype and functional properties of different immune cell populations mainly in the context of clinical trials. By doing so, we are aiming for an in depth understanding of cellular virus-host interactions to support the development of novel therapeutic interventions, e.g. by prediction of biomarker that identifies target engagement and predicts response to therapeutic interventions.

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Research unit IMA-TCI studies the interaction of immunocytes with aberrant tissue cells in kidney liver and lung to provide new hypothesis for therapy improvement. Immune monitoring accompanying clinical trials shall identify new prognostic and predictive markers.

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Mononucleosis and Epstein-barr virus blood test sample in lab on the white background

Our research focus is on the immune response against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and EBV-associated disease. With a better understanding of how immunity against EBV is established, we seek to establish predictive markers for the development and novel strategies for the treatment of virus-associated disorders.

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We are interested in the discovery and development of new potent antiviral compounds and in unravelling their mechanism of action to effectively fight different kinds of viruses that caused pandemics in the past (e.g. HIV, SARS-CoV-2) or have the potential to lead to future pandemics (e.g. Dengue virus).

Our research is focused on the development of in vitro models for the discovery of novel antiviral drugs active against viruses that infect the brain.

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Prof. Ulrike Protzer erhält Bundesverdienstkreuz

On October 28, 2025, Prof. Dr. med. Ulrike Protzer was awarded the Bundesverdienstkreuz (Federal Cross of Merit). This honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to the field of virology – particularly her pioneering translational research…

German Medical Award 2025 for Prof. Ulrike Protzer

Prof. Ulrike Protzer, Director of the Institute of Virology at Helmholtz Munich and Chair for Virology at the Technical University of Munich, has been awarded the German Medical Award 2025 in the category "Female Doctor of the Year". The honor…

TherVacB, a novel therapeutic vaccine for chronic hepatitis B developed under the leadership of Helmholtz Munich, has entered its first clinical trial in patients. Following a successful phase 1a trial in healthy volunteers, where the vaccine…

Syringe and vaccine bottle with the flag of the EU

The European Commission has launched the European Vaccines Hub (EVH) for Pandemic Readiness, a new initiative aiming to accelerate the development of vaccines for future public health emergencies. Helmholtz Munich contributes its virology and global…

Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften BAdW_Fahnen_2019

At its most recent plenary session, the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BAdW) elected 14 distinguished scholars as new members. Among them are two Helmholtz Munich researchers: Prof. Erika von Mutius and Prof. Ulrike Protzer.

A better understanding of ferroptosis – an iron-dependent form of cell death – is an essential prerequisite for the treatment of (neuro)degenerative diseases and certain types of cancer. A team of researchers led by Dr. Kamyar Hadian from the…

Five prestigious Starting Grants from the European Research Council have been granted to researchers with Helmholtz Munich as the host institution. The funding will enable scientists at Helmholtz Munich to advance innovative projects across various…

In chronic hepatitis B, the liver contains immune cells that could destroy hepatitis B virus-infected cells but are inactive. An international team led by scientists at the Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Munich has discovered that cells…

On June 12, 2024, the National Strategy for Gene and Cell Therapies was unveiled at the Futurium in Berlin.

Picture with Cas13d-NCS for Press Release in Cell Discovery 2024

The rise of RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 highlights the need for new ways to fight them. RNA-targeting tools like CRISPR/Cas13 are powerful but inefficient in the cytoplasm of cells, where many RNA viruses replicate. Scientists from Helmholtz Munich…

Close-up medical syringe with a vaccine.

Several research groups at Helmholtz Munich are working on innovative vaccines. Two of them are about to clear a crucial hurdle before approval - fighting the Epstein-Barr virus and Hepatitis B. But how do researchers develop a vaccine?

test vitro Hepatitis B HBV to the hand in glove on a blue background

TherVacB, a novel therapeutic vaccine to combat chronic hepatitis B, entered the first clinical trial. The vaccine was designed and developed under the leadership of Helmholtz Munich. This phase 1a clinical trial is conducted at the Division of…

Dr. Kamyar Hadian and Prof. Dr. Ulrike Protzer

Prof. Ulrike Protzer and Dr. Kamyar Hadian and their teams from Helmholtz Munich received the prestigious Bavarian m4 Award, a recognition of their exceptional contributions to the advancement of future medicine and two different groundbreaking…

An interview with Prof. Ulrike Protzer

From now on, an improved research infrastructure for pandemic management and prevention will be available in the Greater Munich area: on the 29th of March 2023 a new biosafety level 3 laboratory was introduced at Helmholtz Munich. The project could…

Covid-19 vaccination with vaccine bottle and syringe injection tool for coronavirus immunization treatment.

During the Corona pandemic, experts from Helmholtz Munich helped to bring the situation under control as quickly as possible. Now they are preparing for the possibility of another pandemic: with new high-tech equipment and closely interlinked…

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections remain a major global health problem – according to the World Health Organization (WHO) there are around 300 million HBV carriers worldwide. Current treatments rarely succeed in curing the infection. At present,…

More than three percent of the world’s population (around 300 million people) are living with a chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Having chronic hepatitis B increases the risk for patients to develop liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis…

At the 9th Immunotherapy of Cancer Conference (ITOC), held September 22 to 24, 2022 in Munich, Helmholtz Munich presented preclinical data showing that PH-762, an INTASYL compound targeting PD-1, increases the frequency of a T cell population…

The EU grant “PerForM-REACT” supports an infrastructure in the greater Munich area for pandemic management and prevention. Helmholtz Munich will receive new equipment for a biosafety level 3 laboratory where researchers can conduct important studies…

COVID-19 Vaccine vial and injection Needle Syringe against Coronavirus infection in hand of doctor with Nitrile Glove in hospital laboratory. Medical, health, Vaccination and immunization concept

According to a new study led by Ulrike Protzer, a breakthrough infection after two vaccinations achieves the same protective effect as an additional booster vaccination. According to the study by Helmholtz Munich, LMU and TUM, the decisive factor for…

Ulrike Protzer with FFP2 mask in the laboratory

Vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been made possible by an unprecedented worldwide partnership. However, medications against Covid-19 have yet seen only partial success. With the support of the Bavarian Research Foundation, a Munich research…

Researchers have designed antibodies as novel therapeutic candidates for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and hepatocellular carcinoma. Their study in human cell cultures and in living mice showed the elimination of antigen-positive cells and…

For safety reasons, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) in Germany recommends that anyone under the age of 60 who initially received a vaccine from AstraZeneca should be given an mRNA vaccine at their second appointment. Up until now, there…

Healthy neurons (left) compared to neurons after HERV-K(HML-2) activation (right).

Researchers have been able to prove for the first time that activation of distinct human endogenous retroviruses, which are part of our genome, impair brain development dramatically. This finding could help to advance research into therapies for…

Electron micrograph of two T4-like phages.

Gut bacteria are central to human health. They are a key player in contributing to immune regulation, pathogen protection, food and drug metabolism, and vitamin synthesis. Another supporting actor in the gut, however, are bacteriophages or short…

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München, Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) have developed a novel therapeutic approach to cure chronic hepatitis B. The scientists found that the large amount of…

20211209_Prof_Protzer_Astrid Eckert-110_freigestellt

Prof. Dr. Ulrike Protzer

Deputy Head of the Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Director Virology

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Olga Polezhaeva

Technician

Daniele Mistretta

Technician

Lena Holzhäuser

Technician

Felix Esslinger

PhD Student

Niklas Kahler

Student

Julia Krebs

Student

Jinpeng Su

PhD Student

Dr. Anna Kosinska

Post Doc

Dr. Eva Loffredo-Verde

Post Doc

Prof. Andreas Pichlmair

Group Leader

Dr. Michelle Vincendeau

Group Leader / Deputy Director of Institute

Salih Özer

PhD Student

Lisa Hilberer

PhD Student

Lisa Pleninger

PhD Student

Dr. Daniel Kaemena

PostDoc

Catharina Strube

Student

Dr. Jinling Xue

Vice Head of Research Unit Microbial Diseases Prevention

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Niels Tepho

Intern

Vidya Padmanabhan Nair

PostDoc

Prof. Dr. Li Deng

Head of Research Unit Microbial Diseases Prevention

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Theresa Asen

Technical Assistant

Dr. Tanja Bauer

Supervisor

Robert Baier

Technical Assistant

Prof. Dr. Ruth Brack-Werner

Group Leader

Ute Finkel

Technical Assistant

Regina Geiger

Secretary

Dr. Nina Körber

Post Doc

Dr. Frank Thiele

Postdoc

Jochen Wettengel

Rahim Mahmody

Lab Assistant

Dr. Zhe Ma

Post Doc

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Adrian Thaqi

PhD Student

Daina Chakma

PhD Student

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Dr. Rita Costa

Postdoc

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Dr. Mohammadali Khan Mirzaei

Vice Head of Research Unit Microbial Diseases Prevention

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Dr. Jinlong Ru

Postdoc

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Wen Liang

PhD Student

Van Lam

PhD Student

Hin-Man Tai

PhD Student

Dr. Gregor Ebert

Gruppenleiter

Jutta Lang

Member of Scullery Staff

Romina Bester

Dr. Sabrina Schreiner

Head of Group

Miona Stubbe

PhD Student

Monique Preusse

Technician

Jiawen Shi

Intern

Dr. Marisol Zuniga

Postdoc

Dr. Romano Strobelt

Postdoc

Prof. Dr. Markus Rupp

Dr. Josef Mautner

Group Leader

Prof. Dr. Elfriede Nößner

Group Leader

Dr. Marian Wiegand

Project Manager

Dr. Fuwang Chen

Post Doc

Dr. Claudia Dembek

Project Manager

Susanne Miko

Technical Assistant

Manuela Laumer

Technical Assistant

Senadija Balic

Laboratory Assistant

Annika Willmann

MD student

Gesa Wilkens

MD student

Marinka Hrga

Laboratory Assistant

Lisa Pleninger

PhD Student

Robin Michael

Technician

Hülya Ali

Administration Deng Lab

Torben Sanders

PhD Student

Norwin Klug

PhD Student

Julia Ammann

PhD Student

Dr. Markus Gütlich

Scientist

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Sónia Campos

PhD Student

Joshua Hadi

Doctoral Researcher

Abdullah Sayed

PhD Student

Cunli Pan

PhD Student

Christoph Heidemann

PhD Student

Prof. Dr. Carolin Wendling

Erfan Khamespanah

PhD Student

Jingxian Yin

PhD Student

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Viruses studied at VIRO

On This Page

Chronic viral hepatitis

Human Endogenous Retroviruses

Cell Signaling and Cell Death

Virus in nature and health

Immunmonitoring

Tissue control of Immunocytes

EBV immunity

Antiviral Drug Discovery for Emerging virus infections

Blood-Brain Barrier Infection Models for Antiviral Drug Discovery

Ulrike Protzer Receives the Federal Cross of Merit

Ulrike Protzer Receives the German Medical Award 2025

Therapeutic Vaccine for Chronic Hepatitis B Enters First Clinical Trial in Patients

Helmholtz Munich Joins European Vaccines Hub for Pandemic Readiness

Erika von Mutius and Ulrike Protzer Elected to Bavarian Academy

Vitamin A: A Key to Stopping Ferroptosis and Boosting Neuronal Development

Five ERC Starting Grants for Helmholtz Munich

Hepatitis B: Liver cells switch off the immune response

Helmholtz Munich contributes to the National Strategy for Gene and Cell Therapies

Innovative Antiviral Defense With New CRISPR Tool

On the Trail of New Vaccines

Therapeutic Vaccine for Chronic Hepatitis B Enters Clinical Trial

Double Triumph for Helmholtz Munich: Two Researchers Honored with m4 Award from BioM

Everything you always wanted to know about vaccinations

Better Prepared in Future: Research Infrastructure for Pandemic Management and Prevention Expanded

In the Battle Against Viruses

Unraveling key determinant of successful therapeutic vaccination against chronic hepatitis B

Development of a thermostable therapeutic vaccine to combat chronic hepatitis B

Helmholtz Munich presented preclinical data portending PH-762 to enhance persistence of T cells for tumor cell killing

Preventing the Next Pandemic: EU Funds Research Infrastructure in the Munich Area

COVID-19: Breakthrough Infection Can Substitute for a Third Vaccine Shot

A Medication Against SARS-CoV-2: New Strategy Also Promises Protection Against Future Virus Variants

Bioengineering Meets Hepatitis B: Researchers Design Promising Novel Therapeutic Candidates

Mix-and-match Vaccine Against COVID-19 Tested: Immune Response Stronger Than After Two Doses of Astrazeneca Vaccine

The viruses in our genes: When activated, they damage brain development

Improving human health with phage-based therapeutics

Hepatitis B: New Therapeutic Approach May Help to Cure Chronic Hepatitis B Infection