Faculty

Erich Hoffmann, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
erihoffm@utmb.edu
BSB, Route 1070
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Phone: (409)747-6042
Fax: (409)747-6869

Education:	Ph.D. | 1997 | Justus Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
	B.S. | 1993 | Justus Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany

Overview

Influenza virus pathogenesis and transmission

Research Interests

Influenza A viruses infect a wide variety of vertebrate species, including birds, horses, dogs, pigs, and humans. They can cause a wide spectrum of disease in their hosts, ranging from mild to fatal. The emergence of highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza A virus influenza virus in Asia, Europe, and Africa has highlighted the possibility that viruses circulating in an animal reservoir are able to cross the species barrier. My research interests are to better understand the molecular basis of pathogenecity and interspecies-transmission of influenza viruses. The pathologic changes after infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus are hemorrhage in the lungs, liver necrapoptosis, leukopenia, lymphopenia, and in some cases encephalitis. While it is evident that efficient virus replication is important for high lethality, we have limited knowledge which viral and host factors determine high growth and systemic spread. Is the efficient high virus replication sufficient to explain the pathologic lesions or does the excessive host response play a key role for the severity of the disease? To characterize key viral factors, we use the eight plasmid reverse genetics system that allows us to manipulate each of the eight gene segments of influenza virus. The host response is characterized in suitable avian and mammalian model systems. These studies provide important information for the development of antiviral compounds and vaccines.

Recent Publications

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