IITkgpAMlab
MOLECULAR VIROLOGY LAB
The world of RNA viruses
RNA viruses constitute some of the deadliest human pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potentials. Infections caused by Influenza, Dengue, Ebola, Nipah or Coronaviruses can create catastrophic disasters with huge impact upon global human health and economy. Surprising enough, these pathogens contain chemically unstable RNA molecules as their genomic materials, which encodes only a limited number of protein products to execute the infectious cycle. Yet, RNA viruses acquire adaptive mutation to rapidly evolve, generating novel virus variants/ strains, driving cross-species transmission and developing resistance towards available antivirals and vaccines.
Influenza virus architecture and genome organization as viral ribonucleoprotein particles
Super-resolution microscopy showing co-localization of viral Nucleoprotein (NP) and host factor
At Molecular Virology Lab, we focus on unraveling the intricate molecular mechanism of RNA virus replication within host cells, using influenza viruses as the primary model organism. Our research primarily delves into the molecular characterization of the viral Ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs); a megadalton range RNA-protein complex to execute both viral gene transcription and genome replication and thus to establish virus infection within its host. We are interested in understanding how viral RNPs assemble, switch between transcription and replication, exploit various host factors to facilitate its function and acquire mutations to impart host specific fitness to the virus. Relying on this information, we aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of influenza and other RNA virus replication, virus-host interaction and their evolution strategies. This could be useful in predicting future pandemics and developing effective countermeasures.​​
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To fully exploit the translational potential of our work, we collaborate with various research groups to bring in complementary sets of expertise in order to develop prophylactic, therapeutic and diagnostic strategies against different RNA virus infections with epidemic & pandemic potentials.
