The Centre for Virus Research uses the latest technologies such as genomics, molecular and cell biology and protein chemistry to study viruses.

Our research understands the biology of viruses – how they invade host cells and often remain dormant, then reactivate. Our aim is to find new drug targets and ways of preventing infection, including vaccines. Better understanding of viruses will also lead to ways of exploiting them to combat disease.

Diseases we research

  • HIV
  • Herpes
  • Chickenpox and shingles
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Our research themes include:

Our research includes retroviral genetics, HIV molecular pathogenesis, HIV biology, viral transport and assembly, neuro- and immunopathogenesis, cytomegalovirus, and varicella zoster virus (the cause of chickenpox and shingles)

We have assisted in the development of the first partially successful vaccine for genital herpes and defined two new HIV receptors on epithelial dendritic cells that are potential drug targets.

Research Teams