Our research
We conduct experimental and translational research with focus on pathogenesis, treatment and control of virus and bacterial infections as well as the clinical consequences. Our research group consists in three research teams which interact and share our common goals, including HIV cure. This is done through the integration of experimental, translational, and clinical research with the aim to rapidly translate our research findings to the benefit of human health.
Team Viral immunopathogenesis
The team performs experimental research on the immunological mechanisms by which cytotoxic lymphocytes combat HIV-1 to find ways to exploit or boost these mechanisms for an improved HIV-1 control and ultimately HIV-1 cure. Mechanisms for latency/persistence of HIV-1, rare studied and approaches to find a functional cure are evaluated.
Team leader
Robert van Domselaar
Research SpecialistTeam Antivirals and Molecular HIV epidemiology
One key project of the team is directed towards the identification of a novel compound for the “shock and kill” approach for HIV cure. Also, the resistance to novel HIV compounds such as capsid- and entry inhibitors are described and the mechanisms evaluated.
Dr Cena-Diez is responsible for the identification of the mechanisms and efficacy of novel direct acting anti-retroviral compounds identified by us against different HIV-1 subtypes, with or without multi-resistance. Dr Cena-Diez and Dr Federica Giammarino are responsible investigators for studies of prophylaxis of mucin gels against sexually transmitted infections with or without anti-viral compounds against sexually transmitted infections of the female genital tract.
The molecular viral epidemiology research utilizes large national (InfCareHIV) and international (e.g., EuResist, EuCare) databases with focus on describing the global appearance and spread of established and new HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 strains as well as the epidemiological/clinical impact of these viral variants where also Dr Pontus Hedberg is involved.
Team leader
Maarten van De Klundert
Postdoctoral ResearcherTeam Microbiome / Bacterial infections
The team evaluates the impact of the human microbiome (particularly gut and lung microbiome) on the pathogenesis of viral infections, mainly HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2.
The team applies a systems-level approach to microbiome analysis, distinguishing between key microbial communities including the bacteriome (bacteria), virome (viruses), and mycobiome (fungi), and exploring their clinical associations with infectious disease outcomes. This team’s efforts and findings are aimed at developing novel therapeutic approaches against bacterial species, especially multidrug-resistant variants, through the evaluation of new anti-bacterial compounds and by understanding host-pathogen interactions.
The members also study the interactions of antivirals and microbiota, with the innovative goal of repurposing antivirals as bactericidal agents, especially against multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains. Another focus of the team’s research is the impact of the gut microbiota in the potential for a functional HIV cure, which is studied using HIV seropositive Elite Controllers as a model to understand microbial translocation and immune control.