How COMBINE Advances Our Understanding of Virus Cell Entry: Using Marburg Virus as a Model

We live in a highly interconnected world where we encounter viruses in our everyday surroundings, through people, animals, and the environment. In this connected system, new pathogenic threats can emerge at any time. Once a virus enters the body, infection becomes a complex process. However, every infection begins with one defining moment: the binding of a virus to a host cell. To stop infection before it spreads, we need a clear and precise understanding of this microscopic exchange.

The COMBINE project brings together specialised expertise from across Europe to advance our understanding of how viruses infect cells using the highly pathogenic Marburg virus as a model system. The multi-disciplinary research team follows a three-step approach, which will be developed into a universal blueprint – a technology pipeline that can be rapidly adapted to emerging viral threats. Ultimately supporting the streamlined development of future vaccines and treatments and strengthening Europe’s pandemic preparedness.

Watch the newly published project video to learn more about the COMBINE approach.