part of Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology
of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk
Former Department of Virology consists of two teams:
6/11/2024
npj Vaccines volume 9, Article number: 212 (2024) doi.org/10.1038/s41541-024-01005-9
1/10/24
Dr hab. Magda Weidner-Glunde joined the Laboratory of Virus Molecular Biology. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of herpesvirus latency and the contribution of viral infection to oncogenesis.
Laboratory of Virus Molecular Biology welcomes the new Team Member and wishes dr hab. Magda Weidner-Glunde good luck!
10/10/24
We investigate the molecular mechanisms of herpesvirus latency and the potential role of virus in oncogenesis and/or oncostimulation.
1/01/2022
prof. Bogusław Szewczyk
The aim of the project is to develop vaccine candidates based on mRNA/VLP technology against one of three zoonotic viral pathogens (SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus, TBEV and West Nile virus, WNV) that are of great importance to human health around the world.
The development path started from designing the mRNA encoding for virus antigens, through the potential vaccine candidate evaluation, preclinical and I phase of the clinical studies. The whole project is divided into 10 tasks. They include a research stage using mRNA/VLP technology and a development stage of the production and analysis process on a laboratory and pilot scale.
The suspected project effect combines the advantages of both mRNA and VLPs: high effectiveness, long-lasting, the beginning of the dosing regimen, the possibility of storage in convenient conditions and safety in addition to control and pediatric use.
Project co-financed by the state from the Medical Research Agency, in the competition: Development of new technologies using RNA technology
The consortium consists of: Adamed Sp. Zoo. (Project leader), University of Gdansk and Institute of Biotechnology and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences
Project value PLN 87,517,519.25, including PLN 11,382,750.00 for UG
Funding PLN 58,494,498.19
The projects dedicated to fundamental virology and applied research are run by both teams. The model viruses include herpesviruses, hepatitis C virus (HCV) , influenza virus (IAV), tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Zika virus, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2).
Virus-host cell interactions, including mechanism of virus entry and spread , mechanism of immune evasion, interaction of viral and cellular proteins are the main interests of Virus Molecular Biology group. The topics investigated in Recombinant Vaccines Laboratory include construction of vaccines, development of anti-virals, sequencing and analysis of viral genomes and application of viruses as biopesticides.
About usMost of virology teaching is performed in English. The teaching program includes lectures in Molecular Virology, seminars for bachelor and MSc studies, laboratory classes (for selected groups). Each year 6 – 8 MSc experimental projects are conducted in our laboratories.
Individual training for outstanding students is available. 25 PhD virology projects were completed in our teams.
Meet the team
Prof. dr hab. Krystyna Bieńkowska-Szewczyk
and
Prof. dr hab. Bogusław Szewczyk
