Project information
Bridging Biosafety Levels: A Dual Antiviral Screening Platform to Combat Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (DUALCCHFV)

This project addresses the critical need for effective antiviral therapies against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a high-priority pathogen with high fatality rates and limited treatment options. To overcome the barriers posed by the virus’s requirement for biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) containment, we will develop an innovative dual screening platform. This platform combines scalable pre-screening of compounds using Hazara virus (HAZV) in BSL-2 settings with rigorous validation on live CCHFV in BSL-4 laboratories, bridging the gap between accessibility and translational relevance.
In addition to leveraging this dual approach, the project employs advanced AI tools, such as the cutting-edge TxGNN platform, to repurpose FDA-approved drugs and identify novel antiviral candidates. Internal compound libraries, consisting of small molecule inhibitors that target the polymerase and endonuclease activities of bunyaviral L proteins and viral RNA-targeting small molecules, will be screened to uncover promising inhibitors. The most effective candidates will undergo comprehensive characterization, including dose-response analysis and mechanistic studies, to pinpoint their antiviral action and therapeutic potential. Building on strong collaborations with the University of Pécs and local partners, this project integrates experimental, computational, and translational expertise to create a robust framework for antiviral development.
Taken together, this initiative not only addresses the urgent need for CCHFV therapies but also sets a foundation for long-term research into other emerging viral threats, contributing to global health preparedness and advancing virology research.