We conduct studies into 3 of the world’s most destructive human pathogens: SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus), HIV and hepatitis C virus.
Focusing on the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis C, and other significant viruses, we study how viruses enter cells and how the immune system can block infection. Using structural biology, immunology, and vaccine design, we develop strategies to prevent viral infection. This includes creating next-generation vaccines and understanding protective immune responses.
Our research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral entry and the immune responses that can prevent infection. To inform the rational design of vaccines, we use a multidisciplinary approach combining:
A major focus of our work is hepatitis C virus (HCV), one of the most genetically diverse viruses, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Both pathogens pose significant challenges for vaccine development due to their ability to evade immune recognition.
By investigating how antibodies and T cells respond to infection or vaccination, we aim to define the key features of protective immunity. This knowledge guides the development of next-generation vaccines capable of inducing broad and durable protection.
Our vaccine candidates are tested in preclinical models to evaluate safety and immunogenicity. The goal is to progress to human clinical trials for real-world impact against these and other emerging viral threats.
Hear from Professor Heidi Drummer, co-head of our group, on our How Science Matters podcast.
We're researching chronic post-acute infection syndromes, such as long COVID, chronic fatigue and POTS.
This study will evaluate immune responses after COVID-19 infection or vaccination in healthy and vulnerable people.
No hepatitis C vaccine exists due to the virus's genetic diversity, a critical gap in global health. We aim to develop a vaccine that overcomes these hurdles.
We aim to contribute to the development of an antiviral inhalant for patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID).
In this project we will express both the spike and nucleoproteins of COVID-19 and other coronaviruses. These antigens will contribute to the development of a COVID-19 point-of-care diagnostic test.
Rapid high-throughput neutralisation assays are essential for analysis of immune responses in human infection and animal experiments.
PLoS Pathogens
Pantelis Poumbourios, Christine Langer, Irene Boo, Tasnim Zakir, Rob J. Center, Heidi E. Drummer
Hepatology
Joey McGregor, Rob J. Center, Pantelis Poumbourios, Heidi E. Drummer, Joey McGregor, Rob J. Center, Pantelis Poumbourios, Heidi E. Drummer
Journal of Virology
Joey McGregor, Irene Boo, Pantelis Poumbourios, Rob J. Center, Heidi E. Drummer
Clinical & Translational Immunology
Shir Sun, Irene Boo, Heidi E. Drummer, Gabriela Khoury, Irene Boo, Shir Sun, Heidi E. Drummer, Gabriela Khoury
Hepatology
Heidi E. Drummer
Viruses
Felicia Schlotthauer, Joey McGregor, Heidi E. Drummer, Felicia Schlotthauer, Joey McGregor, Heidi E. Drummer
Journal of Biological Chemistry
Joey McGregor, Rob J. Center, Irene Boo, Lilian Phu, Pantelis Poumbourios, Heidi E. Drummer, Rob J. Center, Irene Boo, Lilian Phu, Joey McGregor
Journal of Virology
Kathleen McCaffrey, Irene Boo, Pantelis Poumbourios, Heidi E. Drummer
Hepatology
Patricia Vietheer, Irene Boo, Jun Gu, Kathleen McCaffrey, Rob J. Center, Pantelis Poumbourios, Heidi E. Drummer, Patricia Vietheer, Irene Boo, Jun Gu