Werner Ouwendijk

Dr. Werner Ouwendijk is an Assistant Professor in Virology at Erasmus MC. His research focuses on understanding viral latency mechanisms, particularly for herpesviruses like HSV-1 and VZV, and their interactions with host immune systems. He investigates T-cell responses in latent infections and their implications for neuroinflammation and reactivation processes. His work combines advanced genomic techniques (e.g., single-cell RNA sequencing) with in vitro models like human fetal brain slice cultures.

Recent studies address controversies in HSV-1 latency models, necroptosis mechanisms in HSV infections, and T-cell dynamics post-herpes zoster. He collaborates internationally with experts in virology and immunology, contributing to peer-reviewed journals like Journal of Virology and Nature Communications. His findings advance understanding of viral persistence and immune surveillance in neural tissues.