Ethel-Michele de Villiers
Ethel-Michele de Villiers | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1947 (age 77–78) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Alma mater | University of Pretoria, University of Freiburg |
| Known for | HPV research; Bovine Meat and Milk Factors (BMMFs) research |
| Spouse | Harald zur Hausen |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Virology, Cancer Research |
| Institutions | German Cancer Research Center |
Ethel-Michele de Villiers (born 1947) is a South African virologist and researcher known for her work in the study of human papillomaviruses (HPV) and their role in cancer development. As a leader in virology research at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), de Villiers made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms behind HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer.
De Villiers was instrumental in identifying and characterizing numerous HPV types, significantly contributing to the body of knowledge that links HPV to cervical cancer. Her research has not only influenced the field of virology but also provided insights into other cancers and chronic diseases associated with viral infections.
More recently, de Villiers has led studies into Bovine Meat and Milk Factors (BMMFs), a novel category of pathogens found in bovine products. Her work explores the potential links between these factors, long-term inflammation, and the development of cancer, opening new possibilities for disease prevention and treatment.