Antonio Lopes

Influenza A virus NS1 protein residues important for PI3K binding were discovered. Naturally ocurring polymorphisms in this region of NS1 where assessed for distribution and impact on NS1 capacity to bind and activate PI3K and impact on influenza virus biology. Techniques involved include: - molecular cloning and qPCR - cell line and primary cell culturing - protein overexpression (transfection and transduction) - immunofluorescence - western blotting and co-immunoprecipitations.

During this project, influenza A virus NS1 protein residues important for PI3K binding were discovered. Naturally ocurring polymorphisms in this region of NS1 where assessed for distribution and impact on NS1 capacity to bind and activate PI3K and impact on influenza virus biology.

Research projects to generate an inducible cell line system to investigate PI3K activation by the influenza A virus NS1 protein and investigation of the downstream PI3K signalling events upon NS1 binding. Techniques utilised included: - Molecular cloning. - Western blotting. - Tissue culturing. - Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) microscopy.

Investigation of the early events of the immune response to Plasmodium-infected mosquito bites. Techniques used included: - ex-vivo tissue harvesting. - tissue cryosectioning. - histochemistry and immunohistochemistry.

Internship involved assisting in projects investigating tumour-killing potential of particular subsets of gamma-delta T cells and signalling involved in gamma-delta T cell thymic maturation. Techniques used involved: - Buffy coat processing and leucocyte isolation. - qPCR. - Leucocyte and tumour cell line maintenance.