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Investigation
Water-borne and Food-borne Bacterial Diseases
Research Lines
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Research
The Molecular Virology group focuses its research on the study of HIV-1 genetic variation and viral evolution using both in vitro and ex vivo approaches, structured around the following research lines:
- Non-progressor patients. These patients maintain control of the disease in the absence of antiretroviral therapy and have therefore been proposed as a model of functional cure. Our objective is to study the contribution of viral factors to disease control through biological characterization and analysis of viral evolution in individuals with undetectable viral loads (elite controllers, EC), compared with individuals showing other patterns of viral control.
- Viral envelope. This viral protein is key in determining viral fitness. Therefore, its functionality significantly affects infection progression. In collaboration with Dr. Blanco and Dr. Valenzuela, we study which specific events (CD4 binding, fusogenicity, etc.) are associated with envelope functionality. To this end, we have analyzed envelopes from individuals with different patterns of disease progression. Some of these have been contributed to the AIDS Research Network envelope biobank for broader use.
- Dual infection. Infection with more than one viral variant (either through co-infection or superinfection) may have consequences for infection pathogenesis. Within our group, different aspects of DI have been analyzed, including its detection in non-progressor patients, its prevalence and incidence in Spain, and its influence on the neutralizing antibody response.
- Molecular Epidemiology. The group has analyzed viral evolution throughout the epidemic in Spain and in other countries (the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Uruguay, Panama, Brazil, etc.).
- Role of amino acid residues in reverse transcriptase. We study the role of specific amino acid residues in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in enzymatic function and replication capacity using an infectious molecular clone previously obtained by the group.
- “In vitro” variability. Serial passage studies have been used to detect the mechanisms responsible for the gain or loss of viral fitness.
- Antiviral studies. We have analyzed the selection of resistance mutations in vitro against different antivirals, as well as the effect of these mutations on viral fitness, and the activity of new antivirals such as ATR inhibitors.
Virological Diagnosis and Reference in HIV and HTLV Infections
The research group provides diagnostic and reference activities through the service portfolio of the National Center for Microbiology to the entire Spanish National Health System.
These services include:
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Diagnosis and reference of HIV infection (types 1 and 2) through detection of specific antibodies and detection of proviral DNA by PCR.
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Diagnosis and reference of HTLV-I/II infection through detection of specific antibodies and detection of proviral DNA by PCR. Quantification of HTLV-1 proviral load by real-time PCR.
European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) in the field of in vitro diagnostic medical devices for microbiological diagnosis (IVD) of HIV and HTLV (Regulation 2023/2713 of December 5th, 2023). Our role is to confirm the reliability and effectiveness of devices for detecting these pathogens and to ensure their specific performance requirements through laboratory testing before they can be marketed within the European Union.
Publications
Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies specific for the six-helix bundle of the human respiratory syncytial virus fusion glycoprotein as probes of the protein post-fusion conformation.
9. Palomo C, Mas V, Vazquez M, Cano O, Luque D, Terron MC, et al. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies specific for the six-helix bundle of the human respiratory syncytial virus fusion glycoprotein as probes of the protein post-fusion conformation. Virology. 2014;460-461:119-27.
PUBMED DOIBiophysical properties of single rotavirus particles account for the functions of protein shells in a multilayered virus
Jiménez-Zaragoza M., Yubero M.L., Martín-Forero E., Castón J.R., Reguera D., Luque D.*, de Pablo P.J., Rodríguez J.M. 2018. Biophysical properties of single rotavirus particles account for the functions of protein shells in a multilayered virus. eLife 7: e37295. *Corresponding author.
PUBMED DOIAdditional Information
The Reference and Research Laboratory for Water-borne an Food-borne Bacterial Diseases (LRIEBTAA) is recognized as a national reference laboratory for the zoonotic agents Salmonella, verotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Yersinia., Campylobacter. and Vibrio (RD 1940/2004 of September 27, Order APA/1808/2007 of June 13). In this sense, its main activity is to ensure adequate surveillance of these zoonoses, zoonotic agents and associated antibiotic resistance, as well as proper investigation of outbreaks caused by these microorganisms. In addition, the LRIEBTAA acts as a reference laboratory for Shigella, other diarrheagenic groups of E. coli, Legionella and toxigenic Corynebacterium species. Added to its reference activity is its applied research activity, among which those mentioned above stand out.
The members of the group carry out an important training activity. Every year, 3-5 students who develop their final Master's or Degree projects, laboratory technicians in training and rotating students of the specialty of Clinical Microbiology from different national origins are welcomed in the laboratory. In addition, it actively participates in the Public Health microbiologist training program funded by the ECDC through its supervision at the national level and coordination/supervision at the international level.
The Reference and Research Laboratory for Water-borne an Food-borne Bacterial Diseases (LRIEBTAA) is recognized as a national reference laboratory for the zoonotic agents Salmonella, verotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Yersinia., Campylobacter. and Vibrio (RD 1940/2004 of September 27, Order APA/1808/2007 of June 13). In this sense, its main activity is to ensure adequate surveillance of these zoonoses, zoonotic agents and associated antibiotic resistance, as well as proper investigation of outbreaks caused by these microorganisms. In addition, the LRIEBTAA acts as a reference laboratory for Shigella, other diarrheagenic groups of E. coli, Legionella and toxigenic Corynebacterium species. Added to its reference activity is its applied research activity, among which those mentioned above stand out.
The members of the group carry out an important training activity. Every year, 3-5 students who develop their final Master's or Degree projects, laboratory technicians in training and rotating students of the specialty of Clinical Microbiology from different national origins are welcomed in the laboratory. In addition, it actively participates in the Public Health microbiologist training program funded by the ECDC through its supervision at the national level and coordination/supervision at the international level.