Prof. Dr. Frank Rösl

A) Induction of autophagy (red) in HPV immortalized human keratinocytes (blue: stained nuclei). B) Mitochondria staining in primary keratinocytes (Green)
Courtesy of Dr. B. Rincon Orozco (F030)

1. Mechanisms of human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced carcinogenesis:
Here we are investigating how transcription and viral RNA splicing of high-risk HPV is regulated during the different steps towards malignant transformation. Another focus is the function of epigenetic mechanisms (e.g. de novo methylation, nucleosomal organisation, micro-RNAs) in HPV-positive cells and their impact on viral-host interaction during persistence.

2. Immunological surveillance:
In this context, we are studying the interferon/chemokine pathway to understand the innate response against a viral infection. Moreover, referring to the role of inflammation and cancer, we are examining the function of individual HPV oncoproteins on the NALP3 inflammasome.

3. A natural rodent model system for papillomavirus (PV)-induced skin cancer:
In this project we study the whole infection pathway, starting from primary infection till the final manifestation of a skin tumor in molecular and serological terms. We have also developed a “virus-like particle” (VLP) based vaccine to prevent PV-induced skin lesions. This vaccine is currently tested under normal and immunocomprimized conditions.

4. Virus-Cell Interactome
Considering a cell as a functional regulatory network, tumorviruses always attack central hubs to overcome intracellular surveillance. It is therefore necessary to understand these viral-host interactions using systems biology approaches.