There are three types of human retroviruses: human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV), human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLV) that are able to cause a special type of leukemia, and endogenous human retroviruses (HERV), which have become integrated into the human genome during evolution and, like genes, can be passed on from generation to generation. Retroviruses are different from other viruses. They insert their genes into the genetic material of infected cells and stay there until a signal triggers the proliferation of the virus. The best-known retrovirus is HIV, which causes the immunodeficiency disease AIDS.

All three retrovirus families have been studied, with different emphasis, by Prof. Dr. Reinhard Kurth and his staff. On November 30, 2012, Reinhard Kurth will celebrate his 70th birthday. On this occasion, friends and colleagues will come together for a symposium at the Robert Koch Institute entitled “From Viruses to Vaccines” to honor him and his scientific work. Kurth will be praised as well for his successful work in various federal institutions and for his years of advising ministries and health authorities.