Our group "G5 Parasite Virulence" uses genetic, proteomic and immunological methods to study the molecular basis of virulence and persistence of Leishmania, an important human pathogen which produces serious diseases in endemic areas around the world. The infectious cycle of Leishmania includes several extra- and intracellular stages that are adapted for survival in the insect vector and the vertebrate host by differential expression of virulence factors. We analyze the molecular mechanisms of the regulation of these factors and their interaction with the innate immune system. The projects are aimed to identify and validate target molecules for the development of novel anti-leishmanial strategies, for example by targeting the parasite kinome (www.leishdrug.org).
Research / Scientific departments / Units and Groups / Molecular parasitology and Signaling