AIBN researcher teams up with international collaborators to tackle neurotropic mosquito-borne infections

New international research has its sights set on mosquito-borne neurotropic viruses, like dengue and Japanese Encephalitis, which are a growing global threat, with limited treatment options.

Mosquito-borne neurotropic viruses are capable of infecting nerve tissues – including the brain and spinal cord – and causing life-threatening neurological conditions like encephalitis or paralysis.

Dr Merja Joensuu from the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is teaming up with international collaborators to tackle this emerging global health threat head on.  

Dr Joensuu said the project will use super-resolution imaging to hone in on key cellular mechanisms to understand how human cells interact with viruses, providing insights beyond the reach of traditional microscopy.

“Super-resolution imaging lets us examine neuronal structures below the diffraction limit of light, enabling a much deeper understanding of pathogen-neuron interactions,” Dr Joensuu said.  

“Through understanding how cells function when healthy and infected, we can help to identify potential new therapeutics that could posilbly  save lives.”

By studying how proteins and lipids regulate membrane trafficking – the process that controls what enters and what exits cells – the team aims to uncover how these viruses find their way in and infect human cells.

The international team of virus experts includes Professor Jason Mackenzie from the Doherty Institute and The University of Melbourne, and Associate Professor Giuseppe Balistreri from the University of Helsinki, combining their collective experience to learn even more.

“Everyone is bringing different expertise and approaches to the problem, making this an exciting opportunity to advance our understanding.

“By uncovering how these viruses invade human cells, this research could lead to new treatments and vaccines, reducing hospitalisations and preventing future outbreaks.” 

This international collaboration not only strengthens global health security but also cements Australia’s role as a leader in health innovation, helping to prevent future epidemics.

This 7.7M€ EU REFINE research consortium is being led by Erasmus University Rotterdam, in collaboration with University of Helsinki, University of Padova, University of Bonn, Stanford University, alongside partners The University of Queensland and The University of Melbourne. The project is supported by a $500,000 NHMRC-EU Collaborative Research grant.