Viral geometry as a key to understanding viral infections #

Reidun Twarock

14:50 Tuesday in 4Q56.

Part of the New mathematical approaches in the life sciences session.

Abstract #

Insights into the geometric principles underpinning viral particles provide a key to uncovering the mechanisms by which viruses replicate and infect their hosts. Using novel geometric and topological descriptors of virus architecture in combination with stochastic simulations, I will demonstrate how viral geometry impacts on different aspects of a viral life cycle, including virus assembly and genome release. These results pave the way to innovation in antiviral therapy and virus nanotechnology.