Imaging Viral Pathogens in Action

Across Scales, from Proteins to Infected Cells

In the research group of Selma Dahmane we investigates the structures and molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions between RNA viruses and the host innate immune system. Viruses possess a remarkable ability to hijack cellular machinery, rapidly replicate and, within hours, infect other cells. Our innate immune system deploys various defense mechanisms against these intruders, including the formation of the inflammasome – a complex of proteins which plays a key role in secreting inflammatory cytokines.

RESEARCH

Understanding how the inflammasomes detect viruses and how they assemble and disassemble within the virus-infected cell.

Cool cells

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To achieve this, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach, integrating cell biology and biochemistry assays, advanced microscopy techniques such as in vitro cryo-electron microscopy and in situ cryo-electron tomography to visualize inflammasome-virus interactions directly within the cell, and single-molecule microscopies to study the dynamic of its assembly.

FUNDING

Pictures of funders…