Viral infections can result in important morbidity and mortality worldwide as observed with the recent emergence of SARS-CoV-2. Respiratory infections are the leading cause of death in children under 5 years, followed by diarrheal disease and malaria. Most respiratory infections are caused by viruses, rather than bacteria. Apart from SARS-CoV-2, the predominant etiological agents of respiratory diseases are rhinovirus, influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus. Viruses are also the most frequent causes of infections of the central nervous system ahead of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Among neurotropic viruses, enteroviruses account for the majority of viral meningitis and for 10-20% of identifiable cases of viral encephalitis. Despite this burden, supportive care is the only therapeutic option against most of these pathogens. A better understanding of their pathogenesis is therefore needed to develop effective antiviral drugs and vaccines.

The aims of my laboratory are to study the pathogenesis of respiratory and neurotropic viruses in relevant model systems (with special emphasis on rhinoviruses and enteroviruses); to determine the genetic determinants of specific features such as virulence, dissemination and neurotropism; to develop innovative, effective and broad-spectrum antiviral therapies.