Our research interests focus on the molecular mechanisms that viruses used to translate and replicate their genomes, with particular interest in Noroviruses, members of the Caliciviridae family. In addition we have interests in the mechanism by which cells sense and respond to infection, as well as the novel mechanisms viruses have evolved to evade these responses.

Noroviruses

Often referred to as ‘Winter-vomiting disease’, the human caliciviruses (Noroviruses and Sapoviruses) are a major cause of gastroenteritis worldwide and frequently cause the closure of hospital wards in the UK.  Best estimates suggest that 23 million cases of norovirus gastroenteritis occur in the US and 1-6 million cases UK each year.  Despite the significant impact of noroviruses on society, progress on understanding the molecular mechanisms of virus replication and progress towards methods of either preventing or controlling outbreaks has been limited.

*24th January 2013: Recent increased norovirus activity in the UK*

The UK is experiencing a significant increase in norovirus activity this year. The latest statistics indicate 4720 confirmed cases, representing a 49% increase on the 2011-12 season. The increased activity appears to be due to the appearance of the Sydney 2012 variant. Whilst the norovirus season appears to have started earlier (October), recent data suggests that the number of cases are dropping, which may indicate a shorter season. Further details are available here