Sialic acid-based tools to study virus infections

Antivirals and vaccines to combat the vast majority of virus-caused infections are either inadequate or non-existent.

Furthermore, the number of viruses that cause disease in humans is steadily increasing as zoonotic viruses cross the species barrier. In order to cross the species barrier it is critical that the virus can attach to and enter cells in the new host. The process of cell attachment is poorly understood for many viruses causing disease in humans.

We will investigate the molecular mechanisms governing cell attachment and entry by human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and enteroviruses with emphasis on the carbohydrate sialic acid.

The goal is to generate knowledge and unique organic molecules that ultimately can pave the way towards novel antiviral agents that target cell attachment.

To achieve this, we will utilize state-of-the-art biological, chemical and biophysical technologies that provide in-depth knowledge on the molecular interactions governing virus cell attachment and entry.The first generation compounds are to be ready and tested in biological, biochemical and biophysical assays 2025.

In 2026 we expect to have obtained the first structures of compounds bound to the target proteins or complete virus particles.

In 2026/2027 the goal is to achieve efficacious compounds and improved sialic acid derivatives as well as detailed structural and functional information on cell attachment including the role of sialic acid for SARS-CoV-2.