Diagnostics development

Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München:  Research at the Institute of Virology is geared toward pathogenic human viruses such as hepatitis viruses, HIV, poxviruses or SARS virus.  Their study focuses on molecular details of the viral replication cycle, host-pathogen interactions and the role of immunity in viral diseases. The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories and an immune monitoring unit.  In spring 2013, the Global Virus Network met in Munich to discuss the topics of control of chronic and emerging viral infections. The workshop highlighted the Durability of Vaccine-induced Immune Response, and was led by GVN Co-Founder and International Scientific Advisor, Dr. Robert Gallo and Ulrike Protzer, among other speakers at the event.

The Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA) is the animal health research program of the Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), a public company of the Autonomous Government of Catalonia (Spain). CReSA is located at the campus of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), working in a new and technologically advanced building with conventional laboratories as well as biocontainment with level-3 biosecurity (BSL3) laboratories and animal facilities. The mission of CReSA is to contribute to the advancement of scientific and technical knowledge on animal health by means of research, knowledge transfer and services to public and private bodies. The long term objective is to globally improve all aspects of animal health that influence the agri-food sector and public health. CReSA researchers’ expertise includes pathology, immunology, bacteriology, virology, entomology, epidemiology and molecular biology, as well as disease animal models. Viral research is focused on endemic and exotic viruses affecting mainly livestock (swine, ruminants and poultry) and occasionally wildlife. Zoonotic viruses including animal influenza viruses, West Nile virus, Rift Valley fever virus and MERS-coronavirus are nowadays significant poles of research.

The Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology (MIP) Department is comprised of over 400 individuals who share a common passion for solving some of the most important human and animal health problems today. Research programs include those related to mycobacteria, retroviruses, prions, and arthropod-borne infectious diseases, as well as the diagnostic investigation of naturally-occurring animal diseases. A leader in education, MIP provides the only microbiology undergraduate degree program in Colorado, a graduate program that provides training in a number of cutting-edge disciplines, and several specialized veterinary residency training programs.

Virology and immunology research at Gladstone is focused primarily on three primary and urgent challenges in HIV/AIDS. We desperately need a vaccine for those at risk of coming in contact with the virus, as well as a cure for the millions of people who are already infected. And finally, we need new approaches for restoring a normal lifespan to those who are HIV-positive—but dying much too early from diseases of aging. In addition to HIV, we’re working on a variety of other areas of investigation: Gladstone scientists are looking for new biological targets for drugs that will attack the hepatitis C virus—which has infected 170 million people worldwide. Hepatitis C is a common co-infection with HIV/AIDS. We are also investigating the molecular structure of viruses associated with cancer—and how to remove them from the body as a way to reduce the risk of cancer. And we are investigating why newborns and infants mount less effective immune responses to viruses than adults do.

The Institute of Human Virology (IHV) is the first center in the United States – perhaps the world – to combine the disciplines of basic science, epidemiology and clinical research in a concerted effort to speed the discovery of diagnostics and therapeutics for a wide variety of chronic and deadly viral and immune disorders – most notably HIV, the cause of AIDS. Formed in 1996 as a partnership between the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, the University System of Maryland and the University of Maryland Medical System, IHV is an institute of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is home to some of the most globally-recognized and world-renowned experts in the field of human virology.

Karolinska Institute (KI) is one of the world’s leading medical universities. Their mission is centered toward research and education, to help improve people’s health. In Sweden, Karolinska Institute accounts for over 40 per cent of the medical academic research and has the largest collection of medical education. Since 1901 the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute has selected the Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine, and several alumni have won the prestigious award.

The MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) represents the UK’s largest grouping of human and veterinary virologists. More than 20 principal investigators and their associated teams make up the research core of the CVR creating a critical mass of researchers dedicated to the study of human and animal viral diseases. We carry out multidisciplinary research on viruses and viral diseases, translating the knowledge gained for the improvement of health and benefit of society. Research at the CVR spans molecular, structural and cellular levels through to the individual host and affected population, thus integrating molecular and structural virology, cell biology, pathogenesis, epidemiology and mathematical modelling. Our research covers emerging viruses including arboviruses, innate and intrinsic immunity to virus infection, hepatitis C virus, viruses and cancer, structural virology, viral genomics and bioinformatics.

Finding solutions to prevent, treat and cure infectious diseases and understanding the complexities of microbes and the immune system requires innovative approaches and concentrated effort. This is why the University of Melbourne – a world leader in education, teaching and research excellence – and The Royal Melbourne Hospital – an internationally renowned institution providing outstanding care, research and learning –partnered to create the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute); a centre of excellence where leading scientists and clinicians collaborate to improve human health globally.

The Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Michigan was founded in 1958. Since then, the division has become recognized nationally for an exemplary record of patient care, research and teaching. In addition to the regular Infectious Diseases Outpatient Service, an Immunization and Overseas Travel Consultation Service is available for consultation, general health advice, and immunizations for both domestic and international travel. The University of Michigan Health System is among the best in the world, ranked in the top 15 health systems in the country in the most recent U.S. News and World Report. The Department of Internal Medicine consists of over 600 full time academic faculty, and is ranked fourth in the country in NIH research dollars.

Harare is home to a NIH AIDS Clinical Trials Unit that conducts research with NIAID HIV Research networks including the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG), International Maternal Pediatric and Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT), and Microbial Trials Network (MTN). In addition, UZ has a NIAID HIV Clinical Pharmacology Specialty Laboratory. These clinical research networks are led by senior clinical scientists who have been involved in international multicenter trials for the past two decades hence their ability to contribute to the HIV, HBV, HCV, HPV, and other global virology research agendas. A number of NIH funded studies exist including training programs such as e.g., International Clinical, Operational and Health Services Research Training Award for AIDS and TB (ICOHRTA AIDS/TB) as well as the PEPFAR funded Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI).The Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory was initially funded as a developmental International Pharmacology Specialty Laboratory and in 2015 gained status as an ACTG International Specialty Pharmacology Laboratory. This change in status reflected successful external assessment for its readiness to participate in protocol support for ACTG as well as other networks within the Clinical Trails Unit – Virology Program. The interface among the HIV Research Networks allows the clinical pharmacology laboratory to contribute drug assays, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions and pharmacogenomics research to HIV prevention and treatment research protocols in adults, pediatrics, adolescents, pregnant women, as well as to cure, vaccines, and co-infection (e.g., TB, HBV, HPV) protocols.