Team

Cell-Based Antiviral Screening

  • In cellulo screening of 30,000-compound libraries using replicative viruses
  • Viability assays based on inhibition of virus-induced cytopathic effects (MTS assay)
  • Rapid, cost-effective primary screening campaigns
  • Phenotypic antiviral screening using various human pathogenic viruses

Compound Characterization

  • Viral replication assays by quantitative RT-PCR
  • Characterization against multiple viral families and genotypes
  • Determination of EC₅₀ and EC₉₀ values per FDA quality standards
  • In-cellulo cytotoxicity profiling using fluorescent viability markers (e.g., resazurin)

Viral Strains and In Vivo Models

Available viral families and strains:

  • Flaviviruses: Dengue (25+ strains), Yellow Fever, Zika, WNV, JEV, TBEV
  • Alphaviruses: Chikungunya, VEEV, Old and New World lineages
  • Bunyavirales: RVFV, Toscana virus, nairoviruses, orthobunyaviruses

In vivo validation:

  • BSL-3+ animal facility with iso-cage housing (HEPA-filtered)
  • Validated models for flavivirus-induced hemorrhagic and neurological disease
  • Quantification of viral load in tissues (brain, liver, spleen, blood)

Collaborative Programs and Examples

  • Industry partnerships for hit validation on dengue virus panels (10+ clinical isolates)
  • Phylogenetic selection of strains and synthetic reconstruction for gaps
  • Preclinical development of antiviral candidates submitted to regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA)

Publications