Description

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in young children and the elderly, yet its pathogenesis remains poorly understood due to the understudied viral pathogenesis. Lifeng Liu in the team recently revealed in cell culture studies that RSV-induced syncytium formation not only contributes to viral cytopathogenesis but also promotes viral spread via previously unrecognized modes. He established a unique experimental system (Fig. 1) to investigate the mechanisms underlying this process and aim to understand its physiological relevance.

Fig. 1: RSV-dsRed (RSV A2 strain carrying the red flourescent protein dsRed) infection on HEp-2 cells (human laryngeal cancer cells). Syncytia were predominantly induced under condition 2 but largely absent under condition 1 despite efficient infection.

With generous support from the MUI-START programme for young scientists, we aim to validate these findings in both cell culture and clinically relevant 3D models of the respiratory tract. Thereby we strive to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of syncytium formation and RSV spread in the human respiratory epithelium.

Collaboration Partners

Assoc.-Prof. PD Mag. Dr. Wilfried Posch, Head of Department. Professor of Emerging Infectious Diseases. Department of Hygiene, Microbiology, and Virology. Medical University of Innsbruck.

Mag. Pharm. Stefanie Dichtl-Zweimüller, PhD, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck.

Highly motivated students seeking Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis training in virology are encouraged to contact us for more information.

Methods and Tasks

The methods / task of this thesis will include among others:

• Cell culture
• Producing / purifying virus
• Virus infection and titration
• Immunostaining
• Western Blot
• qPCR quantification of virus infection
• resistance testing
• Culture of 3D models for human respiratory tract
• Paper drafting

Prerequisites and further information

Candidates must have a bachelor degree in Life Sciences (e.g. in Molecular Medicine, Biology, Human Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, etc.) or are currently enrolled in human medicine studies with a special personal interest in scientific lab work. In the latter case, the project can be done within the context of a diploma thesis.  

We suggest some weeks of lab rotation in the Institute of Virology before starting the thesis so both sides can ascertain if the project and personal interests are in line. In case the candidate is highly motivated and skilled, a monthly salary of 551,10 € can be arranged for the time of the thesis.