John Aitchison, PhD

Research Project:
Targeting Respiratory Viruses by Exploiting Viral-Induced Vulnerabilities

Grant Awarded:

Emerging Respiratory Pathogen Award

Research Topics:

basic biologic mechanisms
computational biology
immunology immunotherapy
proteomics

Research Diseases:

COVID-19
influenza
respiratory syncytial virus
respiratory viruses

As COVID-19 showed, respiratory viruses emerge faster than vaccines and antivirals can adapt, underscoring the urgent need for treatments that remain effective as viruses evolve. We are pursuing a bold new strategy to meet this challenge. When viruses infect cells, they hijack and reprogram the cell’s machinery, creating weak points that exist only in infected cells. Our project identifies and targets these virus-induced vulnerabilities to selectively disable infected cells and stop the virus from replicating. The study focuses on the nuclear transport system, the communication network between the cell’s nucleus and cytoplasm, which many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), exploit. By mapping and targeting the weaknesses created when viruses disrupt this system, we aim to help prevent and treat respiratory disease by developing transformative, host-based antivirals that are safe, broad, and resistant to mutation.

Page last updated: September 22, 2026

John Aitchison, PhD

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