The HIV-1 Capsid: Structures, Functions and Druggability

 

ithree Institute, University of Technology, Sydney

 

Abstract: HIV is the most researched human pathogen.  Our understanding of the functions of HIV proteins has facilitated the development of antiretroviral drugs that have transformed an otherwise lethal infection into a comparatively mild chronic condition.  Surprisingly, for a virus with only nine genes, there remains a great deal unknown about HIV biology.  One particular aspect that has been largely overlooked is the role that the viral capsid plays during the early stages of infection. Our recent work on the structure and function of the HIV capsid has revealed that it plays key roles in evading host immunity, directing nuclear entry, and regulating reverse transcription.  Disruption of these functions by small molecule inhibitors halts infection, demonstrating that understanding viral capsids will likely uncover new targets for future drug development.

 

Bio: Dr David Jacques is a Research Fellow in the ithree Institute at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). His research is focused on the structural biology of infection.  His primary interest is how pathogens interact with their hosts both to facilitate infection, and to evade the immune system. By understanding these host-pathogen interactions at the atomic level, it becomes possible to develop compounds that disrupt them, potentially leading to new treatments for infectious diseases.  David completed his PhD at the University of Sydney in 2011.  In 2012 he moved to the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK as a NHMRC Early Career Fellow.  He returned to Sydney in December 2016 to continue his fellowship at UTS.

 

 

Date & Time: Monday 15 May 2017 at 2.00 pm.

 

Venue: Kirby Institute Seminar Room, Level 6 Wallace Wurth Building Map