Virology Unit
The Virology Unit of Area Science Park fits closely into the broader framework of the PRP@CERIC research infrastructure, providing its expertise to perform experiments according to the appropriate biosafety levels, and thus allowing for studies in molecular virology, characterization of antiviral pharmacological action, vaccine design and phenotypic investigation of mutations in viral proteins. In addition to this, the Virology Unit continues its own research lines.
Research lines
- Synergy between the Unfolded-Protein response (UPR) and Pattern recognition receptors (PRR) (in collaboration with ICGEB). Link alla scheda del progetto AntiViralStress consegnata all’ufficio Comunicazione We investigate how, in the context of viral infections, the UPR can act in synergy with the PRR to mount a faster and more effective antiviral response. – discover AntiViralStess project
- Effect of COVID-19 variants on DNA damage and related repair (in collaboration with ICGEB and CNR-IFOM). We investigate how the SARS-CoV-2 virus, through the damage caused to the cellular genome, stimulates a state of inflammation and senescence. In particular, we focus on the characterization of the molecular mechanism and the role of viral proteins, including the phenotypic characterization of mutations emerged with SARS-CoV-2 variants. – discover RIPReI project
- Development of protein-based vaccines against flaviviruses (in collaboration with LADE). A key point in vaccine development is the mapping of viral epitopes and the design of recombinant proteins in which the structure is stabilized to increase the exposure of neutralizing epitopes. The Virology Unit works together with LADE Data Scientists to apply protein-language modeling methods to the design of recombinant antigens.
- Development and application of antiviral peptides against arboviruses (in collaboration with Università di Trieste and Università di Pavia). Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (prAMPs) are a subcategory of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that exert their action by acting on protein synthesis. We deal with both repurposing of prAMPS with antiviral action and de novo design of peptides with inhibitory action against flaviviruses.
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Contacts
For collaboration proposals and partnership opportunities: giuditta.delorenzo@areasciencepark.it