Faculty

Erich Hoffmann, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
erihoffm@utmb.edu
Galveston National Laboratory
Phone: (409)266-6912

Education:	Ph.D. | 1997 | Justus Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
	M.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 influenza A (H5N1) viruses in Asia, Europe, and Africa has highlighted the possibility that viruses circulating in an animal reservoir are able to cross the species barrier. The emergence of a novel influenza A (H1N1) virus of swine origin in 2009 is cause for concern because the virus spreads through human-to-human transmission. My research interests are to better understand the molecular basis of interspecies-transmission and pathogenecity of influenza viruses. While it is evident that efficient virus replication is important for the severity of the disease, we have limited knowledge which viral and host factors determine the outcome of infection. 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 using tools of the post-genomic era. These studies provide important information for the development of antiviral compounds and vaccines.

Recent Publications

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