Glycans attaching to Noroviruses - Allosteric Cross talk meets post translational modification

Project: DFG ProjectsDFG Individual Projects

Project Details

Description

Lately, we have used so-called ligand based NMR-techniques such as STD NMR to study carbohydrate binding to rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) and human noroviruses. We succeeded in synthesizing potent first generation entry inhibitors against human norovirus infection. A major drawback was the lack of cell culture systems, or animal models to further test the efficacy of these prototype inhibitors. Latest NMR studies in our laboratory suggest that binding of human noroviruses to histo-blood group antigens is much more complex than anticipated. We propose that this holds for all calicivirus-glycan interactions and has implications for virus entry. Therefore, we will apply our NMR methodology to study carbohydrate binding to murine noroviruses as a model system where cell culture systems and an animal model are available (Taube laboratory). Along with this we will identify molecular fragments that bind to murine noroviruses, and in collaboration with the Hartmann laboratory we will design and synthesize multivalent ligands for entry inhibition. These novel ligands will serve as tools to study molecular details of virus entry in vivo, and thus shine light on poorly understood aspects of the infection process. This work has the potential to uncover new strategies for the development of antiviral therapies.
StatusActive
Effective start/end date01.01.16 → …

UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This project contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Center for Infection and Inflammation Research (ZIEL)
  • Centers: Center for Structural and Cell Biology (CSCM/ZMSZ)

DFG Research Classification Scheme

  • 2.21-04 Virology
  • 2.11-04 Structural Biology

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