How the immune system detects flu virus

Epidemics and Vaccines

Dr Jan Rehwinkel talks about the role of our innate immune system in our fight against flu virus. The innate immune response is critical for a successful defence against viral infection. The first arm of our immune response is triggered by the detection of the presence of the virus: cell surface receptors detect the presence of viral genomic information. Dr Jan Rehwinkel is working to dissect the molecular biology of nucleic acid sensors. A better understanding of these mechanisms might help us develop better vaccination strategies.