Biomolecular Sciences Seminar Series

Dr. Elizabeth Draganova

Title: Molecular Assembly Mechanisms and Inhibition of Herpesvirus Machines

Abstract:

Herpesviruses are ubiquitous human pathogens that establish lifelong, dormant infections. Initial infection and periodic reactivation of dormant infections result in various disease states, including cold sores, blindness, and encephalitis that are particularly detrimental to immunocompromised populations. There is currently no universal cure and antivirals are limited. Therefore, new prophylactic and therapeutic treatments are needed yet many aspects of viral replication mechanisms are unknown, ultimately stalling this pursuit. Our lab is working to understand the molecular mechanisms of how certain essential herpesvirus protein machines operate. In turn, we are designing inhibitors against these processes not only as potential antivirals, but also as functional tools. We combine classic virology with structural biology and protein biophysics to achieve our goals. This talk will focus on two types of machines and what we have learned regarding how they operate and how they can be inhibited.

Host: Sophia Theodossiou