Mission

Infectious diseases spread rapidly in a globalized world. They are either caused by well-known pathogens that have become resistant to conventional drugs, or by newly emerging pathogens against which no drugs are available. A central and sustainable strategy to protect us from spreading diseases, is to research existing pathogens at the level of organisms, tissues, cells and molecules using advanced methods of biology, medicine, immunology and computer science. The network 'Infection and Immunity' has the mandate to investigate chronic and acute infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, prions or parasites comprehensively. Via this network, basic and clinical research in the areas of infectious diseases, immune pathology, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases will get connected and translational research at the interface between preclinical and clinical development will be strengthened.

The network provides a platform of interaction for basic researchers in the field of immunology, microbiology, virology, gene therapy, parasitology, cell biology, biochemistry and chemistry, as well as translational researchers and clinicians in the field of immunology and infectious diseases. The network currently comprises 65 research groups of the University (University of Zurich) and ETH Zurich (ETH), the University Hospital (USZ) and University Children's Hospital Zurich (Kispi). The connecting of these groups aims to yield a better understanding of host -pathogen interactions and thereby develop new diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive possibilities against infectious diseases, and to lay the foundations for a successful application of gene therapy in humans.