Elucidating the role of pro and anti-viral host factors

Using a high throughput siRNA screen, we identified new host proteins essential for enterovirus replication (pro-viral factors) alongside host proteins that limit virus replication (anti-viral factors). We now study the roles that these host proteins play during virus replication and the underlying mechanisms. We anticipate that some of the mechanisms will be shared among different RNA viruses. This could be exploited for the development of effective antivirals, for a broad spectrum of RNA viruses.