Research Interests
The research program in my laboratory deals with molecular virology and immunology.
My research in molecular virology focuses on discovery of natural antiviral drug. To this end, several plants claimed to have curative properties are screened for antiviral activity, using herpes simplex and vaccinia as preliminary indicator viruses. Plants that exhibit good antiviral effects against either virus are further studied in order to: a) purify and identify the active components, b) elucidate the virus replication step that is interrupted by this compound.
The second research area is focused on understanding in greater detail the molecular mechanisms of virus replication and cellular responses to virus infection, especially the mechanism by which herpes simplex virus type 2 establishes latency in vitro and in vivo. Students in this laboratory are exposed to a wide range of modern techniques involved in virus research.
