Viruses are a constant threat to global health, as highlighted by the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, lack of data underlying how the human host interacts with viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, limits the development and utilization of effective therapeutic intervention. Our WIS groups aim to dissect the mechanisms of viral-infection and pathology, in generating the next diagnostics, vaccinations, and treatments for this virus.
Bacterial pathogens constitute a leading cause of human morbidity and mortality. Understanding host-pathogen interactions, the physiological consequences on the human host, and protective immune responses, may enable to uncover novel anti-infections therapeutics and targeted interventions.
Viruses are ubiquitous infectious agents that apply creative strategies to maneuver and infect their host cells. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of viral infection, host protective anti-viral mechanisms, and the physiological impact on the human host may enable to uncover new anti-viral treatments. Besides, understanding the constant ‘arms race’ between bacteria and their natural enemies, the anti-bacterial viruses termed bacteriophages, may allow to harness phages as anti-bacterial treatments to combat antibiotic resistance.
Parasitic infection impacts the lives of millions of people worldwide, mainly in under-developed regions of our planet. Understanding parasitic infection and its effects on the human host constitutes a burning unmet need which may potentially lead to new preventive and treatment approaches. WIS scientists extensively explore deadly parasitic infection, such as Malaria, and explore their invasion techniques, cell communication and signaling pathways, and immune evasion modalities.
The human body harbors millions of diverse commensal microbes, collectively termed the microbiome. The microbiome is increasingly appreciated to contribute to almost every aspect of human physiology, and is involved in multi-factorial infectious and non-communicable human diseases, including obesity, fatty liver, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, neurodegeneration, and even skin and reproductive system diseases. Unraveling the molecular basis of host-microbiome interactions may lead to the development of new precision treatments.