Research Focus
Our focus is the discovery of key viral or cellular molecules required for HIV to grow, and then to target their action so that HIV growth can be effectively blocked.
We are also interested in dengue and SARS-CoV-2 virus replication. Our dengue and SARS virus research includes development of novel inhibitors called defective interfering particles.
We have uncovered and developed defective interfering RNAs (DI RNA) from dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2.
DI RNAs are created by RNA viruses due to replication errors, resulting in incomplete viral genome copies lacking crucial replication genes. DI RNAs block parent virus replication in several ways:
- They compete for limited host cell resources, such as enzymes and nucleotides.
- They obstruct replication by serving as a template for RNA synthesis, generating more DI RNAs instead of viral genomic RNA.
- DI RNAs hinder viral particle assembly and release, and their innate immune responses.
We've created virus-like particles called DIPs and nanoparticles to deliver DI RNA, inhibiting virus growth in cells and animal models of human viral diseases. Our goal is to develop potent antiviral agents based on DI RNA to reduce virus spread and disease.
Gallery
Research Projects
Current Research Projects
Developing an innovative therapeutic agent to treat dengue infection.
Developing a novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent that can parasitise SARS-CoV-2 virus to reduce its replication, transmission and pathogenicity.
Development of a new class of HIV-1 antiretroviral drug.
Research Team
Felicity Han
Min-Hsuan Lin
Dr Pramila Maniam
Funding
- Australian Centre for HIV and Hepatitis Research.
- QIMR Berghofer.
- National Health and Medical Research Council.
Publications
Defective Interfering Particles with Broad-Acting Antiviral Activity for Dengue, Zika, Yellow Fever, Respiratory Syncytial and SARS-CoV-2 Virus Infection. Min-Hsuan Lin, Dongsheng Li, Bing Tang, Li Li, Andreas Suhrbier and David Harrich. Microbiology Spectrum 10 (6), e03949-22 (2022).
Dengue virus-free defective interfering particles have potent and broad anti-dengue virus activity. Dongsheng Li, Min-Hsuan Lin, Daniel J. Rawle, Hongping Jin, Zhonglan Wu, Lu Wang, Mary Lor, Mazhar Hussain, John Aaskov and David Harrich. Communications Biology 4:557 (2021).
The unique features of SARS-CoV-2 transmission: Comparison with SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza virus. Zhonglan Wu, David Harrich, Zhongyang Li, Dongsheng Hu, Dongsheng Li. Reviews in medical virology 31 (2), e2171 (2021).
Further Information
Dr Li Li, UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.
Professor Zhi Ping (Gordon) Xu, UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.
Dr Felicity Han UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.
Professor Nigel McMillan, Griffith University, Infectious Diseases and Immunology Menzies Health Institute.
Professor Kevin Morris, Griffith University, Infectious Diseases and Immunology Menzies Health Institute.