Amanda Lappalainen

TBEV spreads to humans via ticks-bites or unpasteurized milk products from infected animals. Patients infected by TBEV are at risk of developing sever neuroinflammation which is associated with long term mental issues. In my research I use animal models to study how the virus overcomes host immune responses, passes the blood-brain barrier, and causes neuroinflammation. Better understanding of these mechanisms is fundamental for developing new therapies against TBEV, perhaps enabling us to stop the virus before it reaches the brain.

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology at Umeå University under the Life Science program. I found an interest in immunology which brought me to Lund University where I got a Masters in molecular biology with distinction in medical biology. A large part of my 2 years in Lund was spent studying the development of gut resident T cells in William Agace Lab, as a part of my thesis project. Altogether, my studies have inspired me to continue to work in the academic field. Today I am glad to have the opportunity to continue developing my interest in immunology as well as neurology and virology in Anna Överby lab at the Department of clinical microbiology.