DE
resCAPE – Virus evolution of SARS-CoV-2 under immunosuppressive treatment
Summary
Viral infections are a major cause of disease, mortality and economic losses worldwide. Recent outbreaks of Zika, Ebola, and the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic underscore the need to develop novel antiviral strategies as well as deepen our understandings which conditions favour the emergence of novel viral variants (i.e. SARS-CoV-2 Omicron). The emergence of novel viral variants presents a risk to the general population by affecting various aspects such as transmission dynamics, public health measures, vaccine efficacy, antiviral treatment, disease severity, and pathogenesis, among others. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate potential drivers of mutagenesis and understand the impact of specific mutations. Here, we aimed to explore viral replication under immunosuppressive therapy to better predict and manage the spread of novel variants.
Our Work Packages (WP):
WP1: Investigating the antiviral potential of MPA
We will assess how Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) affects SARS-CoV-2 and RSV infections to clarify its antiviral properties and potential risks.
WP2: Uncovering how MPA acts against viruses
This work package aims to determine which step of the viral life cycle is disrupted by MPA and whether it acts directly on the virus or indirectly via the immune response.
WP3: Studying how viruses adapt to MPA treatment
We will analyze how SARS-CoV-2 evolves under MPA treatment to understand the risk of resistance development and genetic adaptation.
These three work packages will help us evaluate the antiviral effects of MPA, understand its mechanism of action, and assess the potential for virus adaptation and resistance.
Team
Dr. Toni Meister
Principal Investigator
E-mail address:
Research Group Meister
The Research Group Molecular Virology of Emerging Viruses is based at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE).