Michael Nevels

Michael Nevels is a Reader in the School of Biology at the University of St Andrews, focusing on human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and other herpesviruses. He leads multiple research projects on viral epigenetics, innate immune evasion, and antiviral strategies, with ongoing collaborations with institutions such as the Weizmann Institute of Science, Lophius Biosciences, and Redbiotec. His work contributes significantly to understanding CMV pathogenesis and developing diagnostics and therapies.

• PhD, University of Regensburg
• Master of Biology, University of Regensburg

His research spans virology, immunology, epigenetics, and molecular biology, with a central focus on how CMV manipulates host chromatin and immune signaling through proteins like IE1. He investigates how IE1 binds nucleosomes and disrupts interferon signaling by relocalizing STAT2 and rewiring STAT3 pathways. His lab explores epigenetic therapies, siRNA-based antivirals, and contributed to the T-Track® CMV diagnostic kit and Redvax CMV vaccine platform.

His recent publications highlight work on CMV gene expression, SARS-CoV-2 ORF8, tuberculosis diagnostics, and viral genome tethering. These studies reflect a strong trend in molecular virology, host-pathogen interactions, and translational applications in infection medicine.

• Contributor to T-Track® CMV diagnostic kit (Lophius Biosciences)
• Contributor to Redvax CMV vaccine (Redbiotec/Pfizer)
• Principal Investigator on projects funded by The Wellcome Trust and Medical Research Council
• External Examiner at Lancaster University
• Editorial board member and peer reviewer

Nevels actively supervises research, hosts visiting scientists, and participates in international conferences. He is a member of the World Society for Virology and contributes to public engagement through festival events and scientific outreach.