This project investigates the way in which viruses are able to use host cell machinery to make viral proteins and to replicate their own genetic material. We focus on the picornavirus family that cause illnesses with important health and economic consequences including serious heart infections such as myocarditis and pericarditis as well as the "common cold". This research we will reveal new possible avenues of antiviral development.
Understanding The Role Of The Scaffolding Protein D13 In Poxvirus Assembly And Its Inhibition By Rifampicin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,275.00
Summary
Smallpox is one the most notorious diseases in human history. Despite its eradication in the 1970s, human cases of animal poxviruses such as monkeypox virus and the potential use of smallpox as a bioterrorism weapon have called for an improved preparedness of Australia against (re)-emerging poxviruses. This project combines structural biology approaches to understand the complex assembly of poxviruses and provide the basis for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.
Computational And Structural Studies Of Protein-GPCR Interactions Underlying HIV Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
While it is known that HIV entry and disease progression relies upon the interaction of a number of distinct proteins, the precise nature of these interactions remains unclear. The purpose of this fellowship is apply computational and experimental techniques to stabilise members of the protein complex so that we can understand their structure.
Understanding The Assembly Of Poxvirus Immature Particles
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$315,854.00
Summary
Smallpox is an ancient and dreadful disease that enormously influenced human history causing over 300 millions of deaths in the 20th century only. Human cases of monkeypox virus in the US and the potential use of smallpox as a bioterrorism weapon have called for an urgent improvement in Australia's preparedness against poxviruses. We investigate the assembly of these viruses to advance our fundamental understanding of poxvirus biology and provide rationally designed drugs to fight them off.
Defining The Molecular And Functional Features Of Protective HIV-specific T Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$591,966.00
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) directly attacks our immune system, impairing our natural defense against infection and disease. HIV has claimed over 39 million lives worldwide since its discovery, and no vaccine is currently available. Despite this, there are some individuals with a particular genetic advantage able to control HIV infection who never get sick. Understanding how these individuals control HIV so efficiently may lead to novel treatments or potential vaccines against HIV.
Proteins Involved In HIV Infection And Host Defense
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$323,244.00
Summary
I am a biochemist focused on answering the question: why is it that humans are susceptible to HIV infection, while certain monkeys are resistant? It is known that these monkeys have evolved proteins which can target and destroy the virus, but the equivalent human proteins don’t work against HIV. I intend to compare the monkey and human proteins to understand how the monkeys destroy the virus and why the human protein is defective. These studies will inform the next generation of HIV treatment.