Christian K. Pfaller, Ph.D.

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SUMMARY

The research interests of Christian K. Pfaller, Ph.D., involve respiratory viruses such as the measles virus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2. His primary research focus is determining how these viruses interact with the host's immune system.

Dr. Pfaller investigates this from two viewpoints. How does the immune system recognize viral infections and generate an antiviral response, and how do the viruses avoid being recognized? One goal of his research is to identify novel targets and strategies for the development of antiviral therapeutics. Another goal is to develop more efficacious vaccines, with fewer side effects, that can prevent these viral infections. The knowledge gained from these studies is used to improve viral vectors that are being used in cancer and gene therapies.

Focus areas

• Understanding the function of the host enzyme ADAR1 in regulating immunity. ADAR1 is a host enzyme that is required to prevent over-activation of the immune system. Viruses such as the measles virus can exploit this immunoregulatory function to hide from the immune system. Dr. Pfaller therapeutically targets ADAR1 to enhance antiviral immune responses. This approach is evaluated in different cancer types that exhibit irregular ADAR1 activity.
• Antiviral RNA therapeutics. Dr. Pfaller's team discovers genetic elements of viruses that activate the host's immune system. His research develops strategies to treat viral infections by activating and enhancing these immune responses through novel RNA therapeutics.
• Rational vaccine design. Dr. Pfaller's lab identifies virulence factors that promote viral pathogenesis. This knowledge is being used to design new vaccine candidates and to check their efficacy and safety in preclinical models.

Significance to patient care

Viruses remain a major threat to human health. Some, like the measles virus, have been known for a long time but remain problematic despite the availability of effective and safe vaccines. Others, such as SARS-CoV-2, have emerged recently and caused life-threatening pandemics. Still others remain unnoticed and may become problematic in the future. Novel antiviral therapeutics with broad activity are needed to save people's lives. The research performed by Dr. Pfaller strives to identify and develop new therapeutic strategies that combine efficacy and broad antiviral activity with high safety profiles. These will generate better treatment options for viral infectious diseases.