Developing label free spectroscopic techniques for virology - a novel analytical approach through multidisciplinary partnership

ViroSPEC systematically explores the application of novel vibrational spectroscopic techniques, led by TU Dublin, for analysing respiratory viral infections in vitro. With the collaboration of UCD partners, the project targets respiratory viruses, specifically comparing coronavirus, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus. These viruses are examined for their different cellular attachment, entry, and replication methods.

The project aims to:

- Develop new methodologies to improve understanding of viral infection stages

- Address key questions regarding:

- Effects of mutations on viral attachment and entry

- Impacts of various intracellular replication mechanisms

- Roles of cellular secretions, including cytokines and endosomes

The research combines virology and cytology techniques with label-free spectroscopic microscopy, chemometrics, and kinetic simulations. This approach is intended to establish new methodologies for virological research and screening. The project also strengthens the collaboration between TU Dublin and UCD through joint supervision of postgraduate researchers and engages the National Virus Reference Laboratory as potential users of the developed methodologies.

The recent pandemic has highlighted gaps in our understanding of how viruses infect human host cells and result in disease. ViroSpec explores a combination of novel optical based techniques, combined with established virological techniques, to improve our understanding of the viral infection process. It combines the unique expertise in biophysics of TU Dublin, in partnership with that in virology of UCD, to
study the interactions of three well-known respiratory viruses with cells of the human airway. It seeks to establish new methodologies to study the processes, shedding new light on the interactions and responses, and explore potentially novel diagnostic techniques.