Developing new therapies for emerging and existing viruses of global impact
We are finding new ways to treat debilitating diseases caused by mosquito-borne viruses such as Ross River, chikungunya, Zika and dengue viruses, as well as respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
Our team of world-class virologists are leading in-depth investigations into viral diseases, their pathogenesis, treatment and prevention, as well as virus-host interactions.
Research Highlights
Studies reveal new mechanisms of arthritis caused by mosquito-borne viruses
MHIQ researchers have identified links between mosquito-borne viral diseases to a form of auto-immune arthritis known as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Arbovirus researcher appointed to WHO advisory group
Viral immunologist Professor Suresh Mahalingam has been appointed to a World Health Organization (WHO) advisory group tasked with combatting viruses like dengue and Zika.
MHIQ researchers on the road to COVID-19 vaccine
Griffith University researchers have joined forces with scientists from Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) to develop a vaccine for COVID-19.
Griffith University joins Global Virus Network as Centre of Excellence
In recognition of its programs and research involving viral diseases and their transmission from animals to humans, Griffith has been named as a Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence.
Our Mission
Our goal is to become one of the leading global research entities in emerging viruses, with a strong focus on developing vaccines and drugs for effective treatment. We aim to develop novel viral vaccines suitable for entry into human clinical trials and bring new vaccines to market in partnership with aligned industries to create societal impact.
Focus areas
Chikungunya virus
Our research investigates how Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causes disease. We collaborate extensively with clinicians from regions with a heavy load of CHIKV infection, particularly in South America and Asia. We have developed a novel CHIKV vaccine and are collaborating with an Australian biotech company that has taken an option to license and further develop this vaccine. We are also developing new anti-inflammatory drugs for treating CHIKV disease.
Expert: Dr Adam Taylor
Dengue virus
There are currently no specific drugs for treating dengue infection (DENV) and the recently approved vaccine only provides protection for a minority of vaccinees. Our research aims to develop a new tetravalent vaccine and re-purpose established anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment of dengue infections and identify new DENV antiviral drugs. We have developed dengue antivirals that were licensed to Australian biotech Biotron Ltd.
Experts: Professor Suresh Mahalingam and Professor Ron Quinn
Respiratory viruses
We have a very active research program in respiratory viruses, particularly SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We have developed a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in partnership with Indian Immunologicals Ltd, a major international pharma. We are also developing a novel vaccine for RSV infection and are studying links between RSV infection and subsequent development of allergic asthma.
Experts: Professor Suresh Mahalingam, Professor Nigel McMillan and Professor Keith Grimwood
Ross River virus
We are investigating the mechanisms of disease in RRV infection. We also work extensively with clinicians to access patient samples. Based on our basic research, we are seeking to identify anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of RRV infection. One drug - pentosan polysulphate - identified using this research approach was licensed to Paradigm Biopharma and is now available to treat patients with chronic arthritis caused by viruses under the TGA’s Special Access Scheme.
Expert: Dr Ali Zaid
Zika virus
We have developed a new and highly effective vaccine candidate for Zika that has been licensed to Indian Immunologicals Ltd for completion of pre-clinical testing and progression to clinical trials. We are also researching basic mechanisms of neurological disease using a variety of cutting-edge model systems and human clinical samples.
Experts: Professor Suresh Mahalingam and Associate Professor Jenny Ekberg
Other emerging viruses
We are extending our basic and translational expertise in virology to other emerging viruses - not just human viruses, but also viruses of veterinary importance.
- Bovine viral diarrhoea virus
- Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV)
- Equine herpesvirus
- Bluetongue virus
- Hendra virus
Expert: Associate Professor Linda Hueston
Partner with us
Partnerships and collaboration are essential to our research impact. We partner widely with industry, not-for-profit organisations and government. We also collaborate with fellow researchers and maintain strong ties with our community.
If you would like to partner with us, or tap into our research expertise, facilities or services, please get in touch.
Lead
Professor Suresh Mahalingam
Professor Suresh Mahalingam is a renowned Australian virologist and international leader in viral inflammatory disease.
His research has led to several major advances in our understanding of viral inflammatory disease and as a result of high-level research success, he has received numerous awards and fellowships.
Full members
- Mr Ujjwal Dua
- Professor Mark Forwood
- Associate Professor Jenny Ekberg
- Dr John Gerrard
- Professor Keith Grimwood
- Dr Jacob Ijdo
- Professor Nigel McMillan
- Professor Ron Quinn
- Professor Bernd Rehm
- Dr Michael Rolph (part-time)
- Dr Adam Taylor
- Dr Ali Zaid
- Professor Nicholas King (adjunct member)
- Associate Professor Linda Hueston (adjunct member)
Research candidates and assistants
- Dr Jayaram Bettadapura (research assistant, casual part-time)
- Mr Joseph Freitas (senior research assistant)
- Dr Xiang Liu (postdoctoral fellow)
- Dr Miaomiao Liu (postdoctoral fellow)
- Dr Dhruba Acharya (postdoctoral fellow)
- Ms Helen Mostafavi (PhD student)
- Ms Shambhavi Rao (PhD student)
- Ms Kothila Tharmarajah (PhD student)
- Mr Eranga Abeyratne (PhD student)
- Mr Wern Hann Ng (PhD student)
Contact details
- Phone
- (07) 5678 8811
- Location and postal address
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland
- G40 Griffith Health Centre, Level 8.86
- Gold Coast campus
- Griffith University QLD 4222
