Uncovering viral entry mechanisms of henipaviruses (2026-2028)
Abstract
Henipaviruses are bat-borne pathogens that cause annual outbreaks in humans and livestock. These viruses are spread globally and are an epidemic concern in Australia and Asia. Despite research into clinical interventions, the mechanisms that underpin how these viruses enter host cells remains under-explored. This project aims to make use of cutting-edge techniques such as cryogenic electron tomography to image henipavirus virions and uncover how they engage and fuse with host cells. The expected outcomes from this work include new fundamental knowledge into virus infection mechanisms, enabling the future development of improved research tools and resulting in improved public health policies for pandemic preparedness and global biosecurity.
