Bauer
lab
RNA Virus Replication Laboratory
We study how RNA viruses replicate in order to understand how they work and to find better ways of treating diseases such as influenza and COVID-19.
Viruses are infectious parasites that can cause disease. Viruses cannot grow on their own — they must infect a 'host' cell in order to reproduce, and often cause disease in the process. All forms of life, from bacteria and fungi to plants and animals, are infected by at least one type of virus.
RNA viruses store their genome as RNA, instead of DNA. They cause a wide range of diseases in humans, from the common cold to more severe illnesses such as gastroenteritis, influenza, Ebola virus disease, measles and COVID-19.
Our lab seeks to understand
- How RNA viruses replicate and cause disease,
- How immunity develops and influences viral replication, and
- How the unique properties of RNA itself contribute to these processes.
We study both in vitro at the atomic and cellular levels, and in vivo with animal models and human populations as part of the Crick/UCLH Legacy Study and the West Africa, West Indies, West London Consortium.
Understanding how RNA viruses work and how our immune systems respond will allow us to be better prepared for future pandemics, as well as develop improved treatments and vaccines for those that are already affecting humans and animals.
You can read more about our specific research themes on our areas of interest page.
