- Elucidate the role of the vaginal microbiome in adverse sexual (i.e. HIV) and reproductive health outcomes
- Develop a new drug class for HIV treatment and prevention
- Understand interactions between bat viruses and antiviral host factors
We achieve our objectives through discovering, developing and elucidating the mechanism of action of novel antivirals for HIV treatment and prevention, and by understanding the role of the genital microbiota and their metabolites on adverse sexual (e.g. HIV) and reproductive health outcomes.
We undertake fundamental studies to understand the biology of viruses and their interaction with host restriction factors.
Highlights from our working group include:
- Discovered that a vaginal microbiota metabolite strengthens the cervicovaginal epithelial barrier that could help prevent HIV and other STIs
- Discovery of a vaginal microbiota metabolite with anti-inflammatory effects on cervicovaginal epithelial cells that could help prevent HIV and adverse birth outcomes
- Discovery of a vaginal microbiota metabolite, lactic acid, that is more potent than acidity alone in killing HIV and is a major factor in cervicovaginal secretions responsible for HIV virucidal activity ex vivo.
- Discovered a novel retrovirus circulating in fruit bats that is similar to koala retrovirus
- Discovered that bats encode a diverse number of APOBEC3 and tetherin genes, major classes of intrinsic antiviral genes
- Identification and characterisation of endogenous retroviruses in bats
- Discovery of small chemical building blocks (fragments) with mechanism of action distinct to HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors used in the clinic
- Structure-activity relationship studies of dendrimer microbicides against HIV and genital herpes revealing that the dendrimer SPL7013 is the most potent against both viruses
- Successful completion of a phase I dendrimer microbicide, SPL7013 Gel (VivaGel) clinical trial in healthy women demonstrating retention of HIV-1 and HSV-2 inhibitory activity.
- Discovery of a novel mutation, N348I in the C-terminal domain of the HIV reverse transcriptase which confers resistance to zidovudine and nevirapine
- Demonstration that potent members of a class of HIV-1 drugs called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors block the production of viral particles by increasing the processing of viral polyproteins inside the host cell
Identify and develop
effective antiviral strategies to prevent and control pathogens, including HIV.
Working
Group
Meet the working group. Together, we are translating research into better health, for all.
