Research Departments - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Infectious Disease Program
The emerging and infectious disease research program at Southern Research focuses on the discovery of therapeutics for pathogens that cause disease in humans by leveraging a unique interface of strengths in pathogens, animal models, and containment technology. Our multidisciplinary efforts in these research areas leverage active collaborations within Southern Research among the research scientists and employs advanced and innovative technology in BSL-2 and BSL-3 environments.
The program constitutes investigators involved in the three major areas of research: development of animal models for study of infectious diseases, discovery of antimicrobial and antiviral drugs through in vitro approaches, and basic research in the molecular and cellular biology of microbial pathogen life cycles. Research efforts have included the development of a model for evaluation of SARS CoV infection and pathogenesis as well as the discovery of antivirals for treatment of SARS in humans. Investigator-driven research includes projects that focus on the life cycles of Dengue virus, hantaviruses, retroviruses, Ebola virus, and influenza. In addition, important research efforts are directed toward the identification of cellular targets in, and the development of new antibacterial therapeutics against tuberculosis, hospital and community-acquired infections such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and biodefense related bacteria (Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis and Francisella tularensis).
Learn about Senior Staff members and their research programs.
