Overview
Background
Dr. Ariel Isaacs specializes in the study of respiratory viruses, with a focus on highly pathogenic viruses like Nipah, Hendra, and SARS-CoV-2, as well as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). His research aims to advance the design of next-generation vaccines and antibody therapies to combat these emerging viral threats.
Using cryo-electron microscopy, Dr. Isaacs investigates the structures of viral glycoproteins, which play a crucial role in mediating viral entry into host cells. By analyzing these structures, he gains insights into the mechanisms by which viruses enter cells, enabling him to identify critical targets for therapeutic intervention. This understanding informs the design of vaccines and antibodies that can block viral entry, offering new strategies for antiviral treatment and prevention.
His work bridges structural biology with therapeutic development, contributing to the fight against both current and future respiratory viral pandemics. Currently, Dr. Isaacs is working to develop broad-spectrum antiviral solutions that can respond to a range of respiratory viruses, including those with high pathogenic potential. His research holds promise for advancing both vaccine and therapeutic strategies, ultimately improving global health outcomes and preparedness for future viral threats.
Availability
- Dr Ariel Isaacs is:
- Available for supervision
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy of Virology, The University of Queensland
Research interests
-
Henipavirus glycoprotein structures
Interest in surface glycoproteins belonging to Henipaviruses that are involved in cell entry and receptor binding. In particular, I am interested in determining the structures of surface glycoproteins to better understand how they function.
-
Cryogenic Electron Microscopy
This technique allows for determining structures of viral proteins to high resolution. It involves sample preparation, large data acquisition and analysis.
-
Vaccine design and testing
This research interest involves rational protein engineering, allowing for improved vaccine design in the form of protein subunit vaccines. This research interest involves recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterisation in both in vitro and in vivo models.
-
Antibody discovery
This research interest goes hand-in-hand with vaccine design. Using effective vaccines, highly potent antibodies can be isolated from animal models, infected individuals or synthetic libraries. These antibodies can be then produced and characterised, and used as effective therapeutics.
Research impacts
Dr. Ariel Isaacs researches emerging viruses like Nipah and Hendra, which are transmitted by bats and rodents and are distributed globally. These deadly viruses, with mortality rates reaching up to 70%, cause sporadic but lethal outbreaks in regions such as Asia and Australia. Due to their broad geographic presence and zoonotic nature, they pose a high risk of human spillover, making them a significant threat to global health.
Through the use of structural biology techniques, Dr. Isaacs is working to understand how these viruses enter host cells and cause disease. By mapping the structures of viral surface proteins, he uncovers crucial insights into the mechanisms of viral infection. This knowledge enables him to identify key targets for the development of vaccines and antibody therapies that could offer broad-spectrum protection.
Dr. Isaacs' work is vital for preparing against future outbreaks. By providing a detailed understanding of how these viruses function at the molecular level, his research lays the groundwork for creating effective, fast-acting interventions to combat high-risk viruses before they spread.
Works
Search Professor Ariel Isaacs’s works on UQ eSpace
2020
Journal Article
Bovine herpesvirus-4-vectored delivery of nipah virus glycoproteins enhances T cell immunogenicity in pigs
Pedrera, Miriam, Macchi, Francesca, McLean, Rebecca K., Franceschi, Valentina, Thakur, Nazia, Russo, Luca, Medfai, Lobna, Todd, Shawn, Tchilian, Elma Z., Audonnet, Jean-Christophe, Chappell, Keith, Isaacs, Ariel, Watterson, Daniel, Young, Paul R., Marsh, Glenn A., Bailey, Dalan, Graham, Simon P. and Donofrio, Gaetano (2020). Bovine herpesvirus-4-vectored delivery of nipah virus glycoproteins enhances T cell immunogenicity in pigs. Vaccines, 8 (1) 115, 115. doi: 10.3390/vaccines8010115
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Ariel Isaacs is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Dr Ariel Isaacs's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: