Teams working on host-virus interactions aim to dissect the cellular factors targeted by viral proteins and to study their interactions. They characterize the functions of the host hijacked by the virus, viral remodeling of the cellular organization and the cellular response to infection, including anti-viral immunity. These studies use genetics, biochemistry, omics and cell biology with an emphasis on advanced imaging by fluorescence and electron microscopy of the infected cell.
Research in structural virology aims to provide a molecular description of the dynamics of viral structures at various essential stages of the infectious cycle: assembly of the viral particle, fusion of viral and cell membranes, packaging and ejection of the viral genome. This research employs X-ray crystallography and structural electron cryo-microscopy that will be enriched in the near future by in situ structural biology technologies.
The research developed within the department is key for identifying new targets and implementing new therapeutic strategies against viral diseases. Work on viral detection, presentation of antigens and bioengineering of viral-type particles aim at the development of approaches for vaccinology, for vectorization and for nanoreactors.