Research & Training

Tissues infected with hepatitis C virus

Focus Areas & Highlights

The research interests of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology members encompass viral pathogenesis, vaccine development, correlates of immunity, enhancement of vaccine efficacy, oncolysis, and development of novel antivirals, with expertise in (but not limited to):

  • Adenoviruses
  • Influenza viruses
  • Pox viruses
  • Hepatitis B and C viruses
  • Rubella virus
  • Herpesviruses
  • West Nile virus
  • Dengue virus
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • Flaviviruses
  • Respiratory syncytial virus
  • Reovirus
  • Zika virus

The ultimate focus of virus research would be to develop new classes of drugs that viruses cannot develop resistance against and, ideally, drugs that would work against many different viruses, including new ones as they arise. The University of Alberta (UAlberta) has been assembling the personnel, infrastructure and strategies needed to pursue these ambitious goals. As one of the leading centres for virology and immunology in Canada, the UAlberta also continues to be dedicated to the study of how viruses infect cells and cause disease, and how virus infections can be prevented with vaccines.

The LKSIoV researchers have been investigating a number of viruses and the human immune response to infection. Our scientific team hold numerous grants, have published extensively, and are cited often by their peers.

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Left image: Hepatic tissue of a non-HCV-infected mouse stained with Masson trichrone (light blue).

Right image: Hepatic tissue of an HCV-infected mouse stained with Masson trichrone (light blue), indicative of fibrosis development.

Image courtesy of Suellen Lamb (Tyrrell Research Lab).

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Immunofluorescent image of HCV-infected Huh7.5 cells stained with anti-NS5a (red), anti-tubulin (white), bodipy (green), nuclei (blue).

Image courtesy of Karyn Berry-Wynne (Tyrrell Research Lab).


About our members, membership and funding opportunities

Members

The Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology unites a consortium of over 45 exemplary and world-renowned researchers to promote scientific advancements aimed at expanding our understanding of viruses and other selected pathogens, their respective disease pathogenesis, and host immune responses to such infections.

Become a Member

Membership in the LKSIoV is open to individuals who want to make an impact on human health by focusing on viral pathogenesis, vaccine development, correlates of immunity, enhancement of vaccine efficacy, oncolysis, development of novel antivirals, amongst other areas.

Member Funding Opportunities

LKSIoV provides funding opportunities to our members through two types of grants: the LKSIoV Research Support & Innovation Grants and the LKSIoV Bridge Funding Grants. Other funding opportunities that may be of interest to our members can be viewed here as well.

Trainee Support Programs

The Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology provides support for its member trainees through various Trainee Support Programs including studentships, recognition awards, and travel awards.