Eran Bacharach's Lab
for Molecular Virology
Respiratory Viruses
We investigate the host response to Influenza A Virus (IAV) infection, examining both lung and cellular levels. Additionally, our research entails the examination of the replication of the respiratory pathogen – the human Metapneumovirus (hMPV).
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Influenza A Virus (IAV)
Our research examines the host response to the Influenza A Virus (IAV). In collaboration with Prof. Irit Gat-Viks (TAU), we investigate host susceptibility to IAV infections utilizing a range of mouse strains with diverse genetic backgrounds. These investigations have led to the identification of transcriptional programs operating at both the organ (lungs) and cellular levels aimed at eliminating the pathogen (resistance program) and maintaining health in the presence of the pathogen (disease-tolerance program).
Additionally, we explore the host's transcriptional response to superinfection - a severe condition characterized by secondary bacterial infection during or immediately after IAV infection. Furthermore, we collaborate with Prof. Nir Ben-Tal, Prof. Yoni Haitin, and Prof. Doron Shabat (TAU) to develop small molecules capable of inhibiting IAV replication.
Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)
Regarding Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), we utilize a reverse genetics system to investigate various molecular aspects of its replication and interaction with host cells, including innate immune responses elicited against this human pathogen.
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Oncolytic Viruses
Various tumor cells undergo alterations in their innate immune system throughout oncogenesis, rendering them vulnerable to viral infections. Our research endeavors are dedicated to exploring the susceptibility of such cancer cells to infections caused by oncolytic RNA viruses.
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In collaboration with Prof. Marcelo Ehrlich (TAU), we are investigating the vulnerability of cancer cells to oncolytic RNA viruses. These naturally occurring or genetically modified viruses exhibit a preference for infecting and eliminating cancer cells, potentially triggering an immune response against the tumor. Our efforts are focused on developing innovative oncolytic RNA viruses derived from veterinary viruses, namely the epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) and the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV). Within this framework, we examine the compromised antiviral response acquired by cancer cells during oncogenesis across various cancer cell types.
Veterinary viruses
We have identified two previously unknown viruses posing significant threats to the aquaculture industry. One of these viruses is responsible for widespread mortality among farmed tilapia populations globally, while the other causes disease in rainbow trout.
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Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV)
In collaboration with Dr. Avi Eldar from the Kimron Veterinary Institute and Prof. W. Ian Lipkin from Columbia University, we have discovered a novel virus named Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), which poses a substantial risk to the global tilapia aquaculture. Our research focuses on understanding the replication of this emerging pathogen, which exhibits minimal sequence homology to known viruses. Additionally, we are actively involved in the development of vaccines targeting TiLV.
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Trout Granulomatous Virus (TGV)
In partnership with Dr. Avi Eldar and Dr. Sharon Karniely from the Kimron Veterinary Institute, we have recently identified a new corona-like virus that infects rainbow trout and is associated with hepatic lesions. Designated as Trout Granulomatous Virus (TGV), we are currently investigating the molecular characteristics of this virus and working towards developing diagnostic tools and vaccination strategies against TGV.
Retroviruses
We study the replication of the cancer-causing murine leukemia virus (MLV) and the Snakehead Retrovirus (SnRV) - an understudied fish virus.
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Murine leukemia virus (MLV)
Our research investigates the replication dynamics of the murine leukemia virus (MLV), a pathogen known to induce cancer in murine hosts and serve as a significant viral vector. As with all retroviruses, MLV integrates its genetic material into the genome of infected cells. In collaboration with Prof. Marcelo Ehrlich (TAU), we have developed a real-time imaging system to detect MLV virions and their pre-integration complexes. Through this innovative system, we have elucidated a novel function for the MLV p12 protein. Specifically, our findings demonstrate that p12 facilitates the tethering of the viral pre-integration complex to cellular mitotic chromosomes, thereby facilitating integration.
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Snakehead Retrovirus (SnRV)
The Snakehead Retrovirus (SnRV) infects fish, and relatively little is known about the replication and pathogenicity of the virus. We explore the replication mechanisms and pathogenicity of the SnRV. Our research endeavors in this area encompass cellular-level studies as well as investigations utilizing Zebrafish models conducted in collaboration with Prof. Yoav Gothilf (TAU).