This project focuses on developing antivirals targeting conserved RNA and protein interactions in viruses. Using the innovative CirSeq sequencing platform (Acevedo et al., 2014) , we identify invariant regions in viral genomes, resistant to mutations. Combining structural data and deep learning, we design drugs to interact with these conserved domains. The efficacy of these drugs is validated through biochemical assays, cell studies, and animal models, aiming to discover broad-spectrum therapies against enteroviruses (Barnes et al., 2008; Gitlin et al., 2005; Vignuzzi et al., 2008).

Related Publications

Acevedo, A., Brodsky, L., Andino, R., 2014. Mutational and fitness landscapes of an RNA virus revealed through population sequencing. Nature 505, 686–690. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature12861

Barnes, D., Kunitomi, M., Vignuzzi, M., Saksela, K., Andino, R., 2008. Harnessing Endogenous miRNAs to Control Virus Tissue Tropism as a Strategy for Developing Attenuated Virus Vaccines. Cell Host Microbe 4, 239–248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2008.08.003

Gitlin, L., Stone, J.K., Andino, R., 2005. Poliovirus Escape from RNA Interference: Short Interfering RNA-Target Recognition and Implications for Therapeutic Approaches. J. Virol. 79, 1027–1035. https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.79.2.1027-1035.2005

Vignuzzi, M., Wendt, E., Andino, R., 2008. Engineering attenuated virus vaccines by controlling replication fidelity. Nature medicine 14, 154–161. https://doi.org/10.1038/nm1726