Replication and pathogenesis of human rhinoviruses in the context of co-infections with other respiratory viruses

Rhinoviruses (RVs) are the most frequent cause of the common cold and can be associated with disease of enhanced severity and infection of the lower respiratory tract. Rhinoviruses co-circulate with many other respiratory viruses in human populations but how they cross-interact is poorly understood. In this project, we intend to study RV replication and pathogenesis in the context of co- and successive infections with other human pathogens like influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus and coronavirus. The interplay with cellular innate immune response will also be investigated. Infections will be performed in reconstituted human airway epithelia, a relevant model system widely used by my host laboratory to study RV biology. This study will extend the understanding of the pathogenesis of these highly common respiratory viruses as well as their pathogenesis in the context of multiple infections. This will improve patients handling in hospital settings and may avoid the misuse of medicines/antivirals. Keywords pathogenesis; innate immunity; respiratory viruses Hauptdisziplin Medizinische Mikrobiologie