Virus Entry & Exit — The National Institute of General Medical Sciences has awarded $1.5 million over four years to Dr. Margaret Kielian for her investigation into the methods used by viruses to infect hosts. In order to function, viruses must find a way to enter host cells so they can reproduce. Viruses within the cell must then find a way to exit so the cycle can repeat. Using biochemical and imaging techniques, Dr. Kielian’s study will identify the human molecules that interact with the virus during these steps. She will then examine the ways that viruses use those interactions to promote their own survival. By revealing the interplay between a virus and its host cell, this study may uncover new ways of understanding viral infections and developing anti-viral therapies. Dr. Kielian is a professor of cell biology.
Posted on: Thursday, October 25, 2012