Molecular Genetics of RNA viruses

· Objectives :

Studies on influenza viruses and other respiratory viruses are mainly focused on :

► Epidemiology and evolution of influenza viruses in close link with the National Influenza Center (Northern-France) and WHO reference laboratory for H5 viruses focusing on the the diversity of the viral populations and their functional impact on pathogenicity and adaptation to a new host.

►Influenza virus – host interactions specifically on interactions between viral ribonucleoproteins and the cellular microenvironment and analysis of determinants of pathogenicity on the neuraminidase of avian influenza viruses.

►Antiviral inhibitors of influenza virus multiplication, evaluating the impact of virus genetic variations on the susceptibility to antiviral inhibitors and viral fitness.

►Immune responses and vaccines to analyze the humoral responses to anti-influenza vaccination.

Studies of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and related simian GB virus B (GBV-B) focus on :

►Virus cell entry, particle assembly and host range and on Virus/host interactions  small primate model.

The unit is : the CNRS National Reference Center for influenza viruses, WHO National Influenza Center (Northern-France) and WHO reference laboratory for H5 and SARS. 

· Methods :

Molecular, biochemical and cellular in vitro approaches, and in vivo studies. The laboratory has access to BSL2+ and BSL3+ facilities and to the platforms of the Institut Pasteur (sequencing, imaging, A2 and A3 animal facilities, etc..).