Detail

Keywords

Adaptive NK Cells; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Non-neutralizing Antibodies; Virology

Research interests

Our group focuses on elucidating the complex interplay between human herpesviruses and the immune system, with a particular emphasis on Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). We investigate how innate and adaptive immune responses, especially those mediated by natural killer (NK) cells and HLA-restricted mechanisms, contribute to the control of these persistent viral infections.

A major goal of our research is to identify viral and host genetic factors that determine the balance between viral persistence and immune homeostasis. Building on these insights, we aim to unravel how dysregulated immune control of EBV may trigger autoimmune diseases, in particular Multiple Sclerosis.

Furthermore, we study how HCMV-driven immune imprinting shapes the long-term function of the human immune system and influences the outcome of viral infections and diseases in immunocompetent as well as immunocompromised individuals, such as transplant recipients. By integrating virological, immunological, and genetic approaches, our overarching goal is to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of viral and virus-associated diseases.

Techniques, methods & infrastructure

Our scientific challenges are addressed using a multidisciplinary approach with techniques from molecular cell biology, cell culture, immune cell isolations, fluorescence microscopy, immunological assays and flow-cytometry.

Selected publications

1. Vietzen, H. et al. (2025) ‘Early identification of individuals at risk for multiple sclerosis by quantification of EBNA-1381-452-specific antibody titers’, Nature Communications, 16(1). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61751-9.
2. Vietzen, H. et al. (2024) ‘Accumulation of Epstein-Barr virus–induced cross-reactive immune responses is associated with multiple sclerosis’, Journal of Clinical Investigation, 134(21). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1172/jci184481.
3. Vietzen, H. et al. (2023) ‘Ineffective control of Epstein-Barr-virus-induced autoimmunity increases the risk for multiple sclerosis’, Cell, 186(26), pp. 5705-5718.e13. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2023.11.015.
4. Vietzen, H. et al. (2023) ‘HLA-E–restricted immune responses are crucial for the control of EBV infections and the prevention of PTLD’, Blood, 141(13), pp. 1560–1573. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2022017650.
5. Vietzen, H., Jaksch, P. and Puchhammer-Stöckl, E. (2023) ‘The human cytomegalovirus-specific and UL40-mediated imprint in the natural killer cell repertoire is associated with antibody-mediated rejection in lung transplant recipients’, The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, 42(3), pp. 305–314. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healun.2022.10.014.