Centre for Virus Research

Utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as genomics, molecular and cell biology, and protein chemistry, CVR focuses on understanding how viruses invade host cells, lie dormant, and reactivate. Led by Professor Tony Cunningham and Professor Andrew Harman, the Centre’s work targets new drug development, vaccines, and strategies to prevent infections, with particular emphasis on viruses like HIV, herpes, chickenpox, shingles, and cytomegalovirus. Renowned for its strengths in molecular virology and viral immunology, CVR contributes to advancements in HIV cure research and antiviral therapies for herpes, while also playing a pivotal role in COVID-19 vaccine research across NSW and nationally. Since 2022, the Centre for Virus Research has made significant strides in HIV and herpesvirus research, focusing on prevention and cure strategies tailored to individual variability. For HIV, researchers have used human tissue studies to advance vaccine and microbicide development and are working on novel therapeutic approaches, such as personalized mRNA vaccines and CAR T cell therapies, funded by bodies like the NIH. In herpesvirus research, the team is investigating how the virus enters and reactivates, guiding vaccine and therapeutic development. Challenges include the highly personalized nature of viral responses, requiring a tailored approach to treatments. Moving forward, the Centre continues to focus on personalized therapies and vaccine research, leveraging collaborations with global biotech leaders and securing significant funding to advance these critical studies.

Our research focus

  • HIV
  • Herpes
  • Chickenpox and shingles
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • Vaccine immunology

Research groups within this centre

HIV Reservoir Group

GROUP MEMBERS

HIV and Mucosal Immunity Group

GROUP HEADS

Andrew Harman

GROUP MEMBERS

Kirstie Bertram

Vaccines and Adjuvants Group

GROUP HEADS

Herpes Neuropathogenesis Group

GROUP MEMBERS

Herpes Immunology Group

GROUP MEMBERS

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