Research activities in the field of virology focus on etiology, pathogenesis, antiviral treatment and prevention of infections caused by human viruses. The viruses of main interest are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinoviruses and hepatitis viruses (HBV and HCV). An important aspect of the research is the use of clinical specimens obtained from patients treated with antiviral drugs to study fundamental research questions, particularly those related to HIV infection.
Evasion of host immunity is mediated through a large variety of strategies, specifically interfering with the detection and elimination of virus-infected cells by the adaptive and innate immune system. Research is dedicated to unravel the fascinating strategies acquired by various viruses in order to withstand antiviral host responses.