From proteins to virus particles: the structure and function of virions

Structural biology aims to understand how the shapes of the molecules of life, such as viral proteins, direct their functions. This is achieved by experimental determination of the 3D shape of biological molecules at the level of their individual atoms. Atomic structures can be combined with mathematical models of how molecules might move (molecular dynamics) and how they might evolve to evade host defences. Understanding the structure, dynamics and evolution of viral proteins can give researchers new ways to think about viral infections which can be tested in the laboratory. In this programme we will bring together expertise in structural biology (Bhella, Carter), molecular dynamics (Grove), mathematical modelling (Illingworth) and molecular and compositional biology (Hutchinson) to study the structure and function of virus particles (virions) of influenza viruses, coronaviruses and respiratory syncytial virus.