My research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of virus
assembly and virus-host cell attachment, with particular attention to RNA
enveloped viruses such as hepatitis C (HCV), Venezuelan equine encephalitis
(VEE), and encephalitic flaviviruses. In addition, my laboratory has developed a
novel cell-based pathogen-selected antipathogen technology to rapidly identify
compounds that inhibit cytolytic pathogen replication. We have determined the
structures of VEE virus assembly intermediates, and are utilizing this
information to design novel antiviral agents that disrupt VEE virus assembly. We
have developed an in vitro assembly system for HCV nucleocapsids, and are
looking to use this technology to develop HCV vaccines and antivirals. We have
developed technology to generate recombinant attachment domains of flavivirus
envelope proteins, work that may aid vaccine development. Finally, we are
seeking to apply our cell-based pathogen-selected antipathogen technology to
discover compounds effective against foot-and-mouth disease, rickettsial
infections, and hemorrhagic fever viruses, as well as VEE and HCV viruses.
Search PubMed for Dr. Watowich's publications.