The research programme pursued in the context of the Graduate School “Molecules of Infection V” (MOI V) focuses on elucidating (i) the complex interactions between pathogen and host and (ii) the mechanisms that control immunological responses to infectious diseases. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop strategies for the effective elimination of invasive pathogens and the suppression of the damage they cause to tissues. MOI V thus represents a continuation and extension of the successful lines of research undertaken during the first four funding periods MOI I – MOI IV. The 18 projects of MOI V concentrate on the identification and characterization of molecules that play significant roles in the infection process initiated by specific pathogens that provide tractable experimental models. The insights gained during the lifetime of MOI V will undoubtedly broaden the scope of current concepts of infection biology.  The 18 projects submitted for MOI V fall into four interlinked thematic fields.