Integrative Virology

Welcome to the Topf Lab !

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Our research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral infection by investigating the structures, interactions and dynamics of viral macromolecular complexes and their interactions with host cells. We develop and apply integrative structural biology approaches that combine cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), AI-based structure prediction, molecular simulations and complementary experimental evidence, including data from mass spectrometry-based proteomics. A central part of our work is developing computational methods for cryo-EM data analysis, characterising structural heterogeneity, atomic model building and refinement, and ligand modelling.

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We apply these approaches to study viral macromolecular complexes and viral and virus–host protein interaction networks across different virus families, including herpesviruses and arenaviruses. Working closely with experimental collaborators, we combine structural and computational approaches with biochemical, biophysical and cell-based assays to predict, characterise and validate molecular interactions and investigate their roles in viral entry, replication, assembly and immune evasion. Our goal is to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying viral infection and provide insights that can guide experimental studies and the identification of potential targets for antiviral intervention.