Overview

We aim to study viral fitness elements shared within taxonomic families known for their pandemic potential (e.g., Coronaviridae, Arenaviridae, Peribunyaviridae, Hantaviridae, Phenuiviridae, Paramyxoviridae) and explore different approaches to target them pharmacologically. Our research focuses on identifying motifs that give viruses an adaptive advantage, validating their druggability, developing HTS-compatible assays for early discovery of drug starting points against such motifs, evaluating compounds' activity, and assessing the viruses' ability to escape treatments. To do so, we employ molecular, biophysical, biochemical, and cellular techniques that prioritize relevant infective contexts in laboratories of the highest biosafety level to ensure the secure handling of virulent agents.