What do we work on here in the Frieman Lab?
The lab focuses on understanding the pathogenesis of viruses of public health concern to develop therapeutic interventions and countermeasures.
The laboratory has specialized in studying highly pathogenic coronaviruses, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). We also have models of other animal coronaviruses as well as seasonal coronaviruses that are leveraged across experiments. Our research uses genetic, molecular, virological, immunological, and cell biological approaches to understand how these viruses cause disease and interact with the host.
The laboratory's research strategy centers on the synergy between in vitro and in vivo disease models. In vitro systems include standard immortalized cell culture as well as primary differentiated lung cells grown as air-liquid interface cultures, while in vivo models encompass mouse models of coronavirus and influenza virus infections. This integrated approach enables deep insights into viral mechanisms and facilitates therapeutic development.
Key research areas include:
Viral-Host Interactions: Identifying viral proteins that control replication and mapping host protein pathways involved in infection
Therapeutic Development: Developing and testing vaccines, antibodies, small molecules, novel and repurposed drugs for viral inhibition
Host Factor Discovery: Using innovative screening techniques, including yeast-based systems, to identify host factors affecting viral replication and to discover small molecule inhibitors
Broad-Spectrum Antivirals: Investigating host-directed therapeutic approaches that target cellular pathways essential for viral replication
The ultimate goal of the Frieman laboratory is to translate basic virological discoveries into clinical countermeasures that protect public health against current, emerging, and future viral threats.
