“It remains hard to combat viral diseases, which pose a major challenge to public health and food safety.”
There is a close connection between the health of humans and animals, especially with regard to contagious diseases. Alongside his colleagues, Berend-Jan Bosch studies coronaviruses: a group of viruses that may occasionally switch host species and can jump from mammals or birds to humans. Bosch is currently researching an antibody that blocks infection by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in cells.
Cause illness
Coronaviruses are a common global occurrence, making up a large family of viruses that may harm numerous animal species. Fortunately, most humans with coronaviruses merely suffer from a cold. However, coronaviruses that jump from animals to humans may actually cause serious illness. Recent examples are SARS, MERS and SARS-CoV-2.
Interaction with hosts
Together with his colleagues, Bosch is trying to comprehend the interaction between coronaviruses and their hosts, be they animals or humans. How do viruses infect their hosts? How do viruses avoid their hosts' immune responses? How do viruses jump from animals to humans and cause disease? With a detailed understanding, scientists can develop drugs and vaccins.