Molecular Virology

INFECTIOUS DISEASES / Virology

Research Interests

Virology, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, HIV-1, AIDS, tick-borne encephalitis, dengue, zika, arbovirus, innate immunity, stress response, virus-host interaction, microscopy, fluorescence, antivirals, diagnostics, surveillance, point-of-care testing

Description of Research

The main focus of our laboratory is the molecular and cell biology of virus-host interactions. We had a long-standing interest in HIV-1 transcriptional and post-transcriptional nuclear regulation, which shifted towards artropod-borne RNA viruses of increasing concern such as tick-borne encephalitis, dengue, west Nile and Zika.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic the laboratory has been in the frontline to tackle SARS-CoV-2. To this end, we developed a platform of tools for the study of the virus-host crosstalk: from single protein-protein interactions to the dynamics of host and viral components. Activities included the formulation of protocols for SARS-CoV-2 molecular and serological diagnostics, and the production of on-line tutorials and reagents to enable the development of low-cost in-house assays. SARS-CoV-2 viruses circulating in several countries were sequenced for the first time, and the data was made available to the scientific community. A pipeline for testing antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 was set up, allowing the identification of novel drug candidates.

We are also interested in implementing viral diagnostics for developing countries by technically supporting local scientists and by developing point-of-care portable devices in collaboration with industrial partners. Finally, small molecules derived from screenings, repurposing or rational design are tested for antiviral activity.

Recent Publications