The laboratory of Retrovirology performs fundamental and applied research in the field of chronic viral infections (HIV, HBV, HCV). The activities of the laboratory focus on two research domains, which interact closely: immuno-virology and clinical virology.
ACTIVITIES
1. Immuno-virology research unit
One of the objectives of the immuno-virology unit is the study of the viral and host factors involved in virus entry and replication to unravel the complex interplay between virus and cells and to identify new diagnostic and therapeutic lead compounds. A second objective is the study of humoral immune responses during HIV infection aiming to obtain better understanding of its impact on the B cell immune repertoire and to characterize the role of the neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies. The identification of HIV specific epitopes/mimotopes could lead to the development of new immunogens for a multi-epitope vaccine.
2. Clinical virology research unit
The research projects of the clinical virology unit are focused on transmission networks and dynamics of epidemics caused by HIV and HCV in Luxembourg as well as drug resistance to antiretroviral therapy (HIV) and to Direct Acting Antivirals (HCV). These activities are being developed at the international level through our implication within the ESAR (European Society for Antiviral Resistance) network . In addition, our activities focused on clinical implications of viral and host factors involved in HIV-1 entry and collaborations with African countries.