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Viruses have coexisted with mankind for a long time. The oldest genetic evidence of a viral disease shows that people already suffered from liver inflammation caused by hepatitis B viruses about 7,000 years ago. The genetic material of these viruses was found in teeth from this period, which were discovered in Saxony-Anhalt. Since then, many different viral diseases have appeared –and others, like smallpox, have disappeared forever. Newly emerging viruses, which have previously only spread in the animal kingdom, have been able to cross the species barrier and adapt to humans as new hosts. Since the end of 2019, the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) has shown that nowadays such a virus can take over the whole world in a very short time.

Electron microscopy (EM) is not some monotonous assembly-line job, because each assignment poses new challenges. A diverse range of things is magnified and examined, such as immune cells, algae or phages – the work is always different and always interesting. However, biological EM is only practiced by four specialists in Germany. One of these highly qualified experts is Manfred Rohde at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI).

We live our everyday lives together with countless microbes and viruses that could also infect us. The immune system prevents many attacks, but it needs our cooperation: Proper hygiene and regular vaccinations effectively protect against infections

This year's HIPS symposium on 27 and 28 June focused on the fight against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the HIPS, the expert audience had two days to inform and exchange information about the latest results in the field of antibiotic research.

Carlos A. Guzmán's research team applies knowledge about the human immune system and its challengers to develop innovative vaccination strategies.

Among all the hospital germs, Gram-negative bacteria are particularly difficult to treat: Many antibiotics fail due to the double-cell membrane. But cystobactamides are providing hope for a remedy – substances from the extensive collection of bacteria held by the HZI. These bacteria are going to be further developed into drugs in a partnership with the pharmaceutical company Evotec.