Virologist Ralf Bartenschlager honoured with the DZIF Prize for Translational Infection Research
The DZIF honours virologist Prof. Dr Dr h. c. Ralf Bartenschlager from Heidelberg. The DZIF Prize for Translational Infection Research has been awarded at the DZIF annual meeting on 25 September 2023 in Hannover.
The German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) honours the virologist Prof. Dr Dr h. c. Ralf Bartenschlager from the Heidelberg University Hospital. The DZIF Prize for Translational Infection Research has been awarded at the DZIF annual meeting on 25 September 2023 in Hannover.
A DZIF scientist of the first hour, Ralf Bartenschlager was involved in coordination of the DZIF research area Hepatitis for many years. His research interests in the field of molecular virology focus on the interaction of viruses and their human host cells. Thereby, his current work focusses on so-called RNA viruses—in particular hepatitis C viruses, flaviviruses like dengue, Zika and West Nile virus as well as on coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2.
The Heidelberg scientist is using state-of-the-art imaging technologies to gain new insights into virus-host cell-interaction for potential therapy concepts. His research results in this theme and those aimed at decoding the activity of antiviral therapies especially against hepatitis C viruses and dengue viruses are paving the way for new approaches to develop broadly effective antiviral drugs. Together with vaccines, these drugs belong to the most important measures to be prepared for future pandemics.
Most important are the cell culture propagation systems for hepatitis C viruses developed in Ralf Bartenschlager’s lab, which are regarded as the most important discovery in this field after the discovery of the virus itself. These systems also provided the basis for the development and registration of the first drug against hepatitis C in the year 2010. As a result, since 2014, patients infected with the hepatitis C virus can be treated with a combination therapy. All drugs used in the practice have been developed based on the cell culture systems developed in the lab of Ralf Bartenschlager.
Hence, the work of Ralf Bartenschlager is a prime example for translational infection research, which is the key objective of the DZIF: Translating results of basic research in infectiology into clinical research and ultimately into drugs for the benefit of patients.
“With their groundbreaking research, Ralf Bartenschlager and his team have made significant contributions to translational infection research in Germany and worldwide. His findings and innovations not only broadened our understanding of hepatitis C virus infections, but have also been instrumental in the development of new antiviral therapies,” says Prof. Dr Dirk Busch, chair of the executive board of DZIF.
This achievement is now recognised by the award of the DZIF-Prize.
