Mengji Lu

Professor Mengji Lu serves as the Director of the Working Group at the Institute of Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen. With extensive research experience in virology and immunology, Prof. Lu leads a dedicated team focusing on hepatitis B virus (HBV) research. The research group includes members such as Thekla Kemper (MTA), Xueyu Wang, Qian Li, and Shi Liu, all contributing to the comprehensive investigation of viral pathogenesis and immune responses.

Prof. Lu's research interests center on the intricate relationship between hepatitis B virus infection and the host immune system. The team investigates the role of innate immune responses in controlling HBV infection, the regulation of HBV replication by miRNAs and host factors, and the development of immunotherapeutic approaches for chronic HBV treatment. A significant focus is placed on understanding the mutual influence between innate and adaptive immune responses during HBV infection, as well as exploring epigenetic control mechanisms related to cell differentiation, metabolism, and their connections to viral infection. The research employs various animal models to study HBV pathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions.

The extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent research trajectory in HBV virology, with recent work emphasizing cellular autophagy pathways, endosomal trafficking, viral replication mechanisms, and immune modulation. The publications reveal a strong interdisciplinary approach combining virology, immunology, cell biology, and molecular genetics to address fundamental questions about HBV persistence, clearance, and potential therapeutic targets. Key themes include the investigation of host factors that regulate viral replication, the complex interplay between viral components and host immune responses, and the development of novel strategies for HBV treatment.

Prof. Lu's research group maintains active collaborations with numerous scientists across Germany and internationally, as evidenced by the co-authorship patterns in recent publications. The team receives funding for their research on HBV pathogenesis and immune responses, supporting both basic science investigations and translational research aimed at developing new therapeutic approaches for chronic hepatitis B infection. The laboratory utilizes advanced techniques in molecular virology, immunology, and cell biology to address critical questions in HBV research.

The research group operates within the Institute of Virology at the University of Duisburg-Essen, where they maintain specialized facilities for virological research, including cell culture laboratories, molecular biology equipment, and animal models for HBV studies. The team contributes significantly to the understanding of HBV-host interactions and continues to explore innovative approaches for treating chronic hepatitis B infection.