ID.UJ Mini-Grant 2025

“Biochemical Strategies for Uncovering Drosophila C Virus Receptors”

Drosophila C virus (DCV) is one of the few known natural pathogens of Drosophila
melanogaster, a key model for studying antiviral defense mechanisms.
While research on DCV in Drosophila has significantly advanced our understanding of antiviral immunity in insects, a notable gap remains in our knowledge regarding viral entry into insect cells. Identifying the receptor responsible for DCV entry is therefore crucial for unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying viral infection and signaling in Drosophila.

While previous studies have primarily used genetic approaches to identify the DCV receptor, this project employs a combination of biochemical techniques to streamline the receptor identification process, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of viral entry in Drosophila.