Antivirals and Virology

Evaluating direct and indirect effects of SARS-CoV-2 on multiple organ systems using stem cell-derived human tissues

This multi-agency study unites the expertise of world leaders in their field to use human-derived stem cells to better understand the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on a wide variety of different organ systems in the body.

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Preparing animal models

Once potential vaccines and therapeutic candidates have been identified, they must be tested in animals to predict the response in humans and determine overall efficacy. This will occur in partnership with Parkville Precinct collaborators and AgriBio.

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Testing SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and therapeutics using human respiratory epithelium and organoid models

There is pressing urgency to develop vaccines and therapies to treat patients with COVID-19. This project will enable the production and utilisation of tissue-restricted stem-cell derived organoids to further our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and the biological basis for infection.

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Isolating and understanding fitness of various SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

This project will focus on isolating and understanding fitness of various SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

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Using CRISPR-Cas13 as an antiviral for SARS-CoV-2

This discovery builds on research which started at Peter Mac in 2019 – when Dr Mohamed Fareh and Professor Joe Trapani showed a CRISPR gene editing tool could be used to eliminate abnormal RNAs that drive children’s cancers.

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‘Immunity passport’ to COVID-19

Understanding the drivers of protective immunity against COVID-19 is critical to securing long-term community health. This project will undertake in-depth studies of antibodies, B-cells and T-Cells directed at SARS-CoV-2 to understand the drivers behind lasting protection to COVID-19.