We are part of the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada.

We study virus-host interactions, focusing on positive-sense RNA viruses such as Flaviviridae (hepatitis C virus and dengue virus) and Coronaviridae (HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2), with the aim of identifying targets for novel antiviral strategies. One theme of our research focuses on the roles of cellular cyclophilins in the replication and immune evasion of hepatitis C virus (HCV). We have identified roles for cyclophilin A in mediating HCV evasion of cellular antiviral/interferon responses and are currently characterizing the mechanisms. We also study endoplasmic reticulum stress and how this is induced or regulated by positive-sense RNA viruses. We are characterizing the antiviral mechanisms of compounds that induce ER stress, such as thapsigargin, with the goal of developing novel antiviral strategies that are broadly active against positive-sense RNA viruses. Finally, we are characterizing how viral glycoproteins, such as coronavirus spike and dengue virus NS1, activate the pattern recognition receptor TLR4, leading to induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to the cytokine storm associated with severe viral disease.

We are always interested in hearing from enthusiastic students – if this sounds interesting, or you’d like to learn more, please get in touch!