Shwetha Shivaprasad

At the molecular virology lab, we are interested in studying the unique ways in which viruses manipulate their host cells to establish infection and cause disease. Mosquito-borne RNA viruses such as Dengue virus, Zika virus, Japanese encephalitis and West Nile virus are a serious health concern in tropical countries like India.  The broad goal of our research is to identify unique host factors that are critical for flaviviral infection across human and mosquito hosts using biochemical, molecular and high throughput proteomics-based approaches.

Flaviviruses encounter very different environments in humans and mosquitoes, facing unique pressures in each host. While mammalian cells typically show acute cytopathic effects during Dengue virus (DENV) infection, mosquito cells are remarkably resilient and are capable of supporting persistent, non-cytopathic infections. Our work explores the conserved and species-specific mechanisms that shape these outcomes across human and mosquito hosts. We are also uncovering new functions of the DENV capsid protein, which unexpectedly enters the nucleus and nucleolus, where it may alter host gene expression and contribute to pathogenesis. To support antiviral discovery, we develop advanced model systems including subgenomic replicons, human liver organoids, and ex vivo mosquito midgut cultures. These tools allow us to study infection in realistic contexts and test potential inhibitors. Together, our research links fundamental virology with strategies for therapeutic development.

a. Characterization of host regulators of Dengue virus infection using RNA-centric proteomics

b. Exploring the multifaceted roles of DENV capsid protein in viral pathogenesis

c. Developing novel platforms for antiviral screening