Zoonotic Viruses (ZOOVIR)

We investigate how viruses that infect animals and are capable of jumping to humans (zoonotic viruses) using the West Nile virus (WNV) as the main model. West Nile virus is a bird flavivirus transmitted by mosquito bites, which causes outbreaks of encephalitis in horses and humans. We also investigate other flaviviruses such as the dengue virus, the Zika virus or the Usutu virus. Thanks to this knowledge, we develop new vaccines, antiviral drugs and diagnostic systems to combat them. Apart from flaviviruses, our research also addresses other important zoonotic viruses not transmitted by vectors: SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Hepatitis E virus.