Emerging infections are a global public health threat. The Morrison laboratory seeks to improve our knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of emerging virus infections (i.e., what are the critical host-pathogen interactions that contribute to protection or pathology?) by addressing questions at the interface of immunology and virology. In addition, the Morrison laboratory uses cell culture-based and animal infection models to test novel vaccines, anti-virals and immunomodulatory therapeutics against acute and chronic virus infection. As part of the READDI-AC, we are engaged in target site discovery for antivirals against alphaviruses, testing new antivirals for efficacy against alphavirus infection and disease, and elucidating mechanisms of action for antiviral drugs.
