Study of Herpesviruses towards the development of novel anti-viral therapies

Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4459928099
Meeting ID: 445 992 8099

Kaposi's sarcoma, the most common AIDS-associated malignancy, is caused by a human herpesvirus, KSHV. Rare types of lymphoproliferative diseases are also arising from KSHV infection. Nevertheless, the details of KSHV infection and pathogenesis remain unclear. HSV-1, another human herpesvirus, is a common infectious agent that occurs worldwide and infects humans of all ages. The outcome of HSV-1 infection includes a wide variety of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic infection to oral cold sores and severe encephalitis.

Our research deals with basic questions related to these viruses that could potentially lead to the discovery of novel approaches for antiviral interventions. Three main topics will be presented in the seminar, including: Tracking virus infection by using recombinant viruses expressing fluorescent proteins and fluorescently-tagged viral proteins; Generation of virions lacking nucleic acid and characterization of their docking to the nuclear pores; and inhibition of virus infection by using composite nanoparticles that block the attachment of virions to host cells.