Dr D. (Debby) van Riel

Respiratory viruses unmasked: exploring their neurotropic potential

Respiratory viruses, and especially influenza A virus and enterovirus D68, can cause diseases of the central nervous system. However, the underlying mechanism of how this works is largely unknown. In her study, Dr Debby van Riel will unravel how respiratory viruses enter and cause damage to the nervous system and identify important viral factors. The results can be used to optimise diagnostics.