Marian researchers publish study exploring new approach to fighting DNA viruses

Congratulations to Dr. Marsha DeSmet and the DeSmet Lab on the publication of "Targeted Protein Degradation Strategies in DNA Virus Research" in the peer-reviewed journal Viruses.

The review examines an emerging technology called PROTACs, which work by directing unwanted proteins to the cell's natural disposal system. Because DNA viruses, including human papillomaviruses and herpesviruses, depend on specific proteins to infect cells and persist in the body, this approach could help researchers better understand how these viruses function and identify new targets for future antiviral therapies.

The paper also highlights viral proteins that may be promising candidates for future PROTAC-based research, offering a roadmap for continued investigation into more targeted antiviral treatments.

Congratulations to Dr. Marsha DeSmet, Michael Lam '26, MS, OMS-1, Ethan Thornburg '26, MS, OMS-1, and Chayah Hill '26, MS, on this outstanding achievement.