Graham Simmons, PhD

The research in my laboratory focuses on newly emerging infectious diseases, particularly those that may be transmitted by blood transfusion, such as arboviruses. Of particular interest are the mechanisms of viral attachment and entry, and the identification and use of small molecules and antibodies to inhibit this process. For example, we are in the process of characterizing novel small molecule inhibitors of corona-, filo- and paramyxoviruses that interfere with a necessary endosomal proteolytic event mediated by host proteases. The lab is also skilled in the identification and characterization of human neutralizing antibodies to various viral pathogens including alphaviruses, flaviviruses and rhabdoviruses. Furthermore, we are studying the development of these responses in acute and chronic infection, as well as vaccinees.