Lars Frelin

Lars Frelin is an Associate Professor in Virology at Karolinska Institutet, where he also serves as Programme Director for the Study Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Science and the Master Programme in Diagnostic Cytology. He is the Facility Manager for ANA Futura and a member of the VIVAC (Vaccines and Immunotherapies against Viruses And Cancer) research group led by Matti Sällberg at the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology.

Dr. Frelin's academic background includes:

• PhD from Karolinska Institutet (2004)
• Docent (Associate Professor) in Virology, Karolinska Institutet (2013)

His research focuses on vaccine development against infectious diseases, particularly hepatitis viruses. Working with the VIVAC research group, he investigates novel immunotherapeutic approaches to combat viral hepatitis B, C, and D. His work spans from basic virology to translational research, with an emphasis on understanding viral immune evasion strategies and developing therapeutic vaccines that can overcome immune tolerance in chronic infections.

Dr. Frelin's scientific contributions span over two decades, with recent work focusing on universal coronavirus vaccines, novel prime-boost strategies for hepatitis viruses, and understanding the immune response to viral infections. His research demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward developing immunotherapies that target viral entry mechanisms and enhance host immune responses against persistent viral infections.

Dr. Frelin has secured multiple research grants from the Swedish Research Council, including:

• "Pathogenesis and immune evasion strategies of hepatitis viruses: New transgenic mouse models and new therapies" (2020-2022)
• "Pathogenesis and immune evasion strategies of hepatitis viruses: New transgenic mouse models and new therapies" (2017-2019)
• "Understanding the hepatitis C virus nonstructural 5A protein: A new target for antiviral therapies" (2012-2014)

As Programme Director, he oversees academic programs in Biomedical Laboratory Science and Diagnostic Cytology, shaping the education of future laboratory medicine professionals. His leadership extends to serving on the Infrastructure Committee at Karolinska Institutet (2016-2019, 2019-2022) and managing the ANA Futura facility since 2020.

Dr. Frelin is an active member of the VIVAC research group, which focuses on developing vaccines and immunotherapies against viruses and cancer. The group employs various approaches including DNA vaccine technology, viral vector systems, and novel delivery methods to enhance immune responses against challenging viral targets.