Antiviral Immunomics

Our group aims to understand the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and inflammation. Activities are focused on translational research using porcine models to investigate basic immune mechanisms. 

We are deeply involved in antiviral immune research, primarily studying zoonotic influenza viruses and how co-morbidities affect infection severity and vaccination responses. Translational research is applied to explore innate immune mechanisms and inflammation during respiratory infections and in conditions like metabolic syndrome and obesity. 

We are currently collaborating on a long-term project focused on bone inflammation, arthritis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and traumatic injuries. We perform research that facilitates discovery of new biomarkers for cost efficient diagnostics, and pinpoints targets for future development of therapeutics for respiratory diseases.

Main projects and focus areas

• To unravel the molecular basis of how influenza virus crosses the species barrier in order to overcome the challenge of future pandemics.
• To discover and improve antibody/nanobody candidates for influenza virus diagnostic and neutralization using phage display. 
• To understand influenza virus infection and vaccination in settings of chronic inflammation experienced during natural aging and in obesity. We study the influence of co-morbidities like metabolic syndrome and meta-inflammation on influenza virus infection and influenza vaccination. 

The impact of metabolic syndrome on antiviral immunity after influenza A virus infection - establishing the Ossabaw minipig model

Henriksen, B. L. (PhD Student), Skovgaard, K. (Main Supervisor), Brogaard, L. (Supervisor), Heegaard, P. M. H. (Supervisor) & Cirera, S. (Supervisor) 01/04/2024 → 31/03/2027
Project: PhD

OssaFLU: Impact of obesity-related metabolic syndrome on antiviral immunity and influenza A virus microevolution – exploration of mechanisms using the Ossabaw miniature pig model

Skovgaard, K. (PI), Heegaard, P. M. H. (PI), Larsen, L. E. (PI), Brix, S. (PI), Madsen, B. L. (PI) & Short, K. (PI)
01/04/2024 → 30/04/2027
Project: Research

The Proteomic Landscape during Influenza Infection

Polhaus, C. J. M. (PhD Student), Skovgaard, K. (Main Supervisor), Larsen, L. E. (Supervisor) & Kalogeropoulos, K. (Supervisor)
01/01/2022 → 11/08/2025
Project: PhD

FLUZOOMARK: Viral and host factors of zoonotic and pandemic influenza A viruses

Skovgaard, K. (PI), Trebbien, R. (PI) & Larsen, L. E. (PI)
01/01/2020 → 31/12/2026
Project: Research