Leslie Jones

My research interests include the development of novel antiviral therapeutic agents, as well as the re-purposing of existing therapies applied to counter viral infection. Host cells, triggered by virus infection, induce multiple anti-viral and pro-viral pathways utilized, suppressed or evaded by viruses presenting potential druggable host targets. Our lab studies a diverse array of antiviral biologics including recombinant monoclonal antibodies specific for viral proteins, exploitable biomarkers on infected host cells, and small molecule inhibitors of both viral and host cell processes crucial for virus infection. Additionally, my interests include the development of novel biosensor assays such as Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) utilizing nanostructures (rods, particles) for in-vivo or in-situ detection of viruses and other microorganisms. Recently, I have developed a novel nucleic acid amplification technique based on RT-LAMP technology to sensitively and specifically detect SARS-CoV-2 pandemic virus and variant SARS coronaviruses in a single assay that is designed for in-home application.