Viruses infect all domains of life and play fundamental roles in public health, ecology, and evolution. Our research addresses core questions in viral biology, with a particular focus on viral envelope proteins, the molecular machinery that mediates virus entry into and exit from host cells.
We investigate these processes in both human pathogenic hantaviruses and membrane-containing archaeal viruses. In hantaviruses, we have provided molecular insights into the mechanism of membrane fusion between the virus and host cells, and have characterized the organization and dynamics of the fusion protein Gc on the viral surface. Our current work focuses on the biogenesis of Gc together with its companion protein Gn within the secretory pathway, aiming to identify the molecular and cellular determinants that govern Gc priming, maturation, and assembly into viral particles.
Building on our work with hantavirus fusion proteins, we have also identified fusion activity in enveloped halophilic archaeal viruses (pleolipoviruses). Ongoing and future studies seek to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which these viruses interact with and remodel archaeal membranes, a largely unexplored area of virology.
In parallel, we pursue translational research aimed at the development of vaccines and therapeutics against hantaviruses. We study protective immune responses elicited by non-replicative virus-like particles (VLPs) that we have previously developed. Our vaccine candidate is currently in the preclinical stage, with the goal of contributing to pandemic preparedness. Using this platform, we have also collaboratively developed single-chain antibodies with potential for future therapeutic use in infected patients.