My laboratory is interested in host cell interactions and pathogenesis of emerging viruses and primate herpesviruses. One focus is on viral entry into cells. We could show that SARS-CoV-2 uses the ACE2 protein as receptor and the cellular protease TMPRSS2 for spike protein activation. Further, we provided evidence that lung cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 is TMPRSS2-dependent and largely insensitive against chloroquine. In addition, we showed that the Beta, Gamma and, particularly, the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 evade antibody-mediated neutralization. At present, our focus is on BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/BA.5. In the context of herpesviruses, we want to understand why Herpes B Virus (macacine alphaherpesvirus 1) but not closely related herpesviruses causes severe disease in humans. For this, we are generating recombinant viruses and new cell systems. Finally, we offer diagnostics for virus infections of non-human primates, including colony screening.