Flavivirus-Host Molecular Interactions

Summary

The FMHI lab within the Virology Department is geared towards the knowledge of virus/host cell interactions that define the pathogenicity of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) in mosquito vectors and mammalian hosts. The FMHI team closely interacts with virology laboratories in Europe, Asia, USA, and other groups within the International Network of Institut Pasteur (RIIP). The arboviruses studied are dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and Chikungunya viruses. The priorities areas of FMHI's  programmes are : first, biology of arbovirus, a comprehensive study on molecular basis of viral pathogenicity, understanding of arbovirus/host-cell interactions (vertebrate hosts and invertebrate vectors), and immune evasion strategies of arboviruses towards antiviral innate immunity. Second, to apply the knowledge gained from the basic research to develop more sensitive and specific molecular tools for arbovirus detection as well as vaccines and therapy to prevent or combat virus infection.