11th International Conference on
Virology, Influenza, and Infectious Diseases

Dr. Jay C Brown, Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at University of Virginia Cancer Center, USA obtained his BA, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. He was awarded the Ph.D. at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA. Dr. Brown was a post-doctoral fellow at MRC Lab of Molecular Biology, Cambridge UK

Dr. Jay C Brown major research interests focus on Structure and Assembly of the Herpes Simplex Virus Capsid. The Brown lab studies herpesvirus infections that affect cancer patients with emphasis on HSV-1 and KSHV. In both cases, the goal is to examine the structure and assembly of the virus capsid with the idea that such studies will suggest the nature of novel anti-herpes therapeutic agents directed against capsid assembly. Although most of the studies are carried out with HSV-1 and KSHV, it is expected that the results will clarify capsid assembly as it occurs in other herpes viruses and perhaps in other virus families as well. Studies in the laboratory have defined the basic steps involved in capsid formation. Using an in vitro assembly system, they have recently clarified the way the portal becomes incorporated into capsids as they are assembled. The assembly project has led to the identification of an inhibitor of HSV-1 replication, WAY-150138, that acts by antagonizing incorporation of the portal as the capsid is formed. The lab is now attempting to define the mechanism of WAY-150138 action more closely and determine whether it or related thiourea compounds may be useful for therapy against herpesvirus infections.

He was interested in exploring molecular mechanisms of cell death activated by cytokines and viruses, and in therapeutic exploitation of these mechanisms for the treatment of human diseases. Recently, a new form of programmed cell death, necroptosis, has been described and being studied for its role in various disease pathogenesis. Understanding the pathways involved in necroptosis and finding novel regulatory molecules can become promising therapeutic avenue in infectious, inflammatory, and malignant diseases. He have focused his research interests in identifying molecules involved in interferon and viruses mediated cell death pathways. Recently, we have outlined the molecular mechanism of interferons- and influenza A virus-activated regulated cell death, and identified multiple key molecular targets involved. We exploited one such target, NF-kappa B, to trigger interferons-mediated necroptosis in patient-derived refractory Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) cell lines. Currently, He is working on the projects involved in therapeutic exploitation of regulated cell death in chronic hepatitis B infection and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Identifying molecules involved in interferon and viruses mediated cell death pathways, Exploring roles for NF-kappa B during antiviral innate immune responses, Outlining molecular mechanisms of programmed cell death during influenza A virus infection.

Dr. Guerrero-Plata completed her undergraduate studies at Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas in Reynosa, Mexico, before advancing her academic journey in Mexico City. She earned both her Master’s and PhD degrees from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM). To strengthen her expertise in respiratory medicine and viral immunology, she pursued specialized research training at CINVESTAV and Imperial College London, United Kingdom. She later continued her scientific development as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she was also recognized as a McLaughlin Fellow. Following her fellowship, Dr. Guerrero-Plata joined the Department of Pediatrics as an instructor and subsequently advanced to Assistant Professor after securing external research funding as Principal Investigator. In 2009, she became part of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at Louisiana State University.

Dr. Guerrero-Plata’s research focuses on viral immunology with particular emphasis on innate immune responses, dendritic cell biology, and respiratory viral infections. Her investigations examine host immune mechanisms associated with respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus, both major contributors to lower respiratory tract diseases affecting children, older adults, and immunocompromised populations. The broader objective of her work is to identify innovative approaches that enhance antiviral defense and promote sustained immunity against respiratory pathogens linked to significant pulmonary complications. Her laboratory also explores how environmental influences contribute to the occurrence and severity of respiratory viral diseases.

2005- 2012 Senior Lecturer in Medical Virology 1991-2005 Lecturer in Medical Virology, University of Manchester 1988-1991 Clinical Scientist (Grade B), Department of Haematology, Manchester Royal Infirmary. 1987-1988 Post Doctoral Research Assistant, Department of Virology, University of Sheffield

Pam Vallely research interest is in viral infection of the central nervous system, particularly in exploring novel or unrecognised causes of viral encephalitis and improving diagnosis of these. Dr. Vallely also interested in infectious causes of hearing loss, particularly congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

Dr. Xinwen Chen is a Professor specializing in virology. He earned his BSc and MSc in Biology from Central China institutions and completed his PhD at Wageningen University. He has served as a visiting scientist internationally, led major research programs, published extensively, and currently holds senior academic leadership positions.

Virology, viral biology, host–virus interactions, and infectious disease research.

Dr. MahmoudReza Pourkarim earned his PhD in 2012 from Katholieke University of Leuven, Belgium. Following his doctoral studies, he received a prestigious postdoctoral grant from FWO. He currently serves as a Senior Researcher in the Hepatitis B Virus Group at the Clinical and Epidemiological Virology Laboratory, where his work contributes to advancing research in viral infections and public health.

Hepatitis B Virus

Dr. Marlene Shehata obtained her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine from the University of Ottawa, where she specialized in the genetics underlying cardiovascular disorders between 2004 and 2010. In addition to her academic qualifications, she is a licensed pharmacist in Ontario with professional practice experience across Southwestern Ontario. She currently serves as a Clinical Pharmacist Consultant, collaborating with academic healthcare institutions, long-term care facilities, and community pharmacy services to support patient care and clinical outcomes.

Dr. Marlene Shehata’s research is centered on understanding and addressing salt-sensitive hypertension. Her work explores the hereditary factors associated with this condition, which can become more severe with increased dietary salt consumption. Combining expertise in genetics and pharmacy, Dr. Shehata investigates genetic pathways and molecular mechanisms that may contribute to the inheritance and development of this specific form of hypertension.