Our research focuses on the replication and pathogenicity of intestinal RNA viruses. Many common enteric viruses can also infect cells of the central nervous system, causing encephalitis, meningitis, and other complications. Picornaviruses and astroviruses stand out for their ability to infect cells of both gut and neuronal origins. We are using human intestinal and brain organoids as a platform to address organ-specific determinants of enteric virus infection and neuron infection model to dissect CNS-specific infections. We are developing a range of molecular tools to answer burning questions in enteric virus biology:
- Elucidate host-pathogen interactions to uncover the molecular processes underlying different stages of infection, supported by defining the cell-type specificity of virus infection in both intestinal and neuronal cells.
- Identify tissue-specific regulation of viral protein synthesis and specialised CNS host responses.
- Uncover the roles of viral RNA structures in virus replication and neurovirulence.
Investigating these mechanisms in two diverse virus families will reveal common and virus-specific principles in host-pathogen interactions along the gut-to-brain axis. These findings will enhance our understanding of tissue-specific properties of clinically important pathogens, advancing the development of therapeutics and vaccines, and informing public health measures.
Summer students - apply here: https://www.exppg.lifesci.cam.ac.uk/
MPhil students - apply here: https://www.mphil.bio.cam.ac.uk/
Postdocs - happy to support fellowship-based projects:
https://www.embo.org/funding/fellowships-grants-and-career-support/postdoctoral-fellowships/
https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships
https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/grants/newton-international/
Funding for our research comes from the Royal Society and Wellcome Trust: Sir Henry Dale Fellowship (2021-2026) + Wellcome Career Development Award (2026-2034).
