MOLECULAR VIROLOGY OF PATHOGENIC PLUS-STRAND RNA VIRUSES

Our laboratory is focused on the study of pathogenic human viral infections. Our studies are centered at understanding the molecular basis of viral pathogenesis as well as on identifying novel molecular targets for antiviral therapy. The final aim of our studies is to propose new therapeutic approaches for antiviral treatment as well as for reversion of virus-induced pathogenesis. We believe that determining the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the virus replicates will provide new opportunities in the fight for clinically relevant human pathogens. We also believe that more direct approaches, like antiviral compound screening may complement the generation of basic knowledge. In particular, the study of the antiviral properties of compounds with a known molecular target as well as elucidation of the molecular target of a given compound may provide new insight into the cellular processes that support efficient viral infection.