[SCAN] Turning virus into therapeutics

Title: Turning virus into therapeutics

Speaker: Ana Sofia Coroadinha

Abstract: Virus are sub-microscopic, non-living, entities consisting generally of a genome of nucleic acids and proteins to protect it. Virus can only replicate inside living cells and are known to infect all life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea. On Earth are the most numerous type of biological entity.

When referring to viruses the word ‘good’ is rarely used instead, words like ‘infectious’, ‘disease’, or even ‘life-threatening’ dominate when people talk about viruses. However, not all viruses are detrimental to human health and in fact, some have beneficial properties for their hosts in a symbiotic relationship. Other viruses can be manipulated to be beneficial to human health and used as medicinal products.

Recombinant viruses offer the potential to cure cancer, correct genetic disorders, or fight pathogenic viral infections. The ability to treat diseases using viruses, often referred to as virotherapy, has become the subject of intensive research in recent years. Herein, we will present our research on the development and modification of recombinant viruses for their use as gene therapy tools. Viral gene therapy uses the natural capacity of virus particles to deliver genetic material to the cells. In this context the viral particles need to be very effective, while complying with stringent safety profiles. These are the aims of the research that will be presented.