Stefan Pöhlmann

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT STEFAN PÖHLMANN

My laboratory investigates host cell interactions and pathogenesis of emerging viruses and primate herpesviruses, with a particular focus on viral entry mechanisms. We demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 uses ACE2 and TMPRSS2 for cell entry, and that an intact furin cleavage site in the spike protein is essential for infection of lung cells. We also showed that SARS-CoV-2 entry is largely resistant to inhibition by chloroquine. Our research further revealed that SARS-CoV-2 variants can evolve under antibody pressure, and that the Omicron variant efficiently escapes antibody-mediated neutralization. Currently, we are focusing on emerging Omicron subvariants. Our recent work shows that the Pirola variant (BA.2.86) enters lung cells with high efficiency in a fully TMPRSS2-dependent manner.In the field of herpesviruses, we aim to understand why Herpes B Virus (Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1), but not closely related simian herpesviruses, causes severe disease in humans. To address this, we are generating recombinant viruses and developing novel cell-based systems.Additionally, we offer diagnostic testing for virus infections in non-human primates, including colony screening services.