Insects are commonly infected with viruses. We study the interactions between viruses and their insect. Viruses and hosts are in a constant evolutionary arms race. The host evolves antiviral mechanisms to prevent virus infection, while the virus adapts to overcome these host responses. Insects are ideal hosts to understand both the host response and the virus mechanisms for controlling the host. My research group investigates the interactions between viruses and insects, primarily using Drosophila as a model. In this model we can control the genetics of both the host and the virus to tease apart the contribution of each partner to the interaction. A major focus is investigating the mechanisms and impact of Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection in Drosophila.

University of Queensland
Brisbane 4072
AUSTRALIA