Prof. Dr. Ben Hale
Area of Research
Description of Research Interest
The aim of my research is to increase understanding of how human innate immune defences protect against severe viral disease. Specifically, I am interested in the interferon system, a cytokine-mediated antiviral pathway intrinsic to almost every cell of the body. In recent years, my laboratory has applied cutting-edge genetic and proteomic screening approaches to dissect the molecular and cellular basis of interferon-mediated signalling and antiviral activity in the healthy state. Furthermore, I have an active multidisciplinary patient-orientated research program that investigates the causes and consequences of human interferon system deficiencies associated with increased susceptibility to severe viral disease. In this regard, my laboratory seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic defects in interferon system components, as well as underlying the development and pathogenesis of autoantibodies targeting interferons and interferon-related molecules in aging populations and (infectious) disease cohorts.Special Expertise
Innate immunity
Interferons
Autoantibodies
Immunodeficiencies
Cell signalling
Virology
Influenza viruses
Respiratory viruses
Working at high biocontainment levels
Institute of Medical Virology