M.D., Ph.D. Heinz Feldmann

Research Priorities: Highly infectious viruses (Ebola virus, Marburg virus), disease modelling with non-human primate models, development of vaccines, antivirals and therapeutics

Heinz Feldmann is a German-American virologist. He studies highly pathogenic viruses, including pathogens that cause viral haemorrhagic fever such as the Ebola, Lassa, and Marburg viruses. His research is key to our understanding of the pathogenesis of these viruses as well as of the interactions between virus and host cells and the immune response of the host. His research is focused on the development of diagnostics and vaccinations. He was responsible, for example, for the development of the Ebola vaccine rVSV-ZEBOV. He has frequently worked as an advisor to the World Health Organization (WHO) at the locations of outbreaks.

A central aspect of Heinz Feldmann’s research involves studying the viral mechanisms that lead to cytopathogenicity. He and his team studied the role of specific viral proteins in the modulation of the host’s immune response, which led to a better understanding of viral strategies to bypass the immune system. These insights are key to developing therapeutic strategies and vaccines. 

For example, his research led to the development of vaccine candidates that were tested in preclinical and clinical studies. These vaccines are hugely important to public health, especially in regions affected by outbreaks. One of Heinz Feldmann’s important achievements is the development of vaccinations for Ebola (rVSV-ZEBOV, “Ervebro”) and other zoonotic viruses.

He also worked on the development of biosecurity protocols to ensure that highly pathogenic viruses with security levels BSL3 and BSL4 were dealt with safely in research institutions around the world. This involves creating security levels and guidelines that are essential for working with such pathogens. Heis an advisor for viral haemorrhagic fever and related diseases for the World Health Organization (WHO). In this role he has often been responsible for security and health management at the location of disease outbreaks.

In addition, his laboratory conducts research at sites in Mali and Uganda. Vector and human populations are monitored at these sites in order to understand the prevalence and transmission of disease in the regions in which these viruses are endemic. The aim is to support local public health systems and develop public health strategies that limit the infection of at-risk population groups.

With respect to disease modelling and transmission, Heinz Feldmann and his team research new and reoccuring viral pathogens that cause serious illnesses in humans. The group concentrates on vector-borne viruses that are transmitted by rodents (Lassa and hanta viruses) and insects (Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever). In order to study these viruses, they develop animal models that simulate human diseases and use these models to understand how the virus causes diseases and to evaluate antiviral agents and vaccines. 

In reaction to the coronavirus pandemic, Heinz Feldmann studied potential antiviral agents and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. This research led to several vaccines and antivirals against these pathogens.