Mechanisms of endogenous retrovirus activation by microbial exposure

Co-infections can compromise key aspects of the immune control of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Dr Kassiotis will take a broad but coherent approach to the question of how ERVs are regulated by the immune system and microbial infection. His overall aim is to understand the regulation of ERV expression and its interplay with gut microflora, using a combination of approaches that include mouse models and surveys of human samples. Results could lead to important discoveries that will transform our understanding of ERVs and human disease.