Structure-guided design and development of antivirals targeting BK polyomavirus capsid KU Leuven
Biocrystallography, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy (Rega Institute), Medicinal Chemistry (Rega Institute)
We aim to rationally devise first-in-class compounds active against polyomaviruses which are linked to several diseases including cancer. In particular, BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) latently infects 80% of humans. Its reactivation in immunocompromised patients such as those undergoing kidney transplantation leads to severe complications including graft loss and acute renal failure in 5-10% cases. No approved drugs to combat BKPyV are currently ...