SM

Shailendra Mani

Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, International Centre For Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology New Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University

ORCID iD 0000-0001-8541-8315
Follow

About

Our research focuses on studying the cross-reactivity and co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 with other coronaviruses and endemic viruses such as Dengue and influenza. Our ultimate objective is to gain insights into the interplay between these viruses during co-infection and their impact on the immune response. Additionally, we aim to explore the potential occurrence of Antibody Dependent Enhancement (ADE) in the context of coronaviruses and/or other endemic viruses. By deepening our understanding of these phenomena, we aim to develop effective vaccines and antiviral treatments for SARS-CoV-2, while also shedding light on the varying severity of viral infections among individuals.

Our Research focuses in three key areas

1- SARS-CoV2 pandemic preparedness: resource generation for aiding rapid vaccine and antiviral development

As SARS-CoV2 virus pandemic hit India, we urgently required virus based serological assays to be established. Due to requirement of higher containment facility for virus culture, it was restricted to few institutions in India. At THSTI, we successfully established SARS-CoV2 virus culture and viral neutralization assays (cytopathic effect based). We continuously isolate newer circulating variant of SARS-CoV-2 in India and establish variant specific virus neutralization assay. We also provide our expertise to evaluate vaccine and antiviral candidates developed in India.

2- Development of tools to aid public health measures

We have developed a multiplex bead-based platform for detecting coronavirus infection from the serum samples. We next expanding our panel to detect arbovirus/endemic viral infection like Dengue, Zika, Japanese Encephalitis, West Nile, Chikungunya. For vaccine evaluation, we are developing antibody detection platform in multiplex format for Measles, Rubella, Diphtheria and Pertussis. The developed assays will be utilized for large scale community screening, screening for the potential plasma donors, and evaluating the efficacy of the future vaccine and antiviral candidate trials.

3- Understanding the pathogenies and immune response of coronaviruses

For a good coronavirus vaccine deployment, it is very crucial to check/know the sero-prevalence of the other circulating corona virus in the region. Till date 7 coronaviruses are known to infect human including 229E-hCoV, OC43-hCoV, NL63-hCoV, HKU1-hCoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Serological evidences confirmed the presence of 229E-hCoV, OC43-hCoV, NL63-hCoV and HKU1-hCoV in Indian region. The current pandemic virus is circulating in regions where prevalence of the common coronaviruses is very high. Since they are closely related, we want to explore how the other coronaviruses influences the SARS-CoV-2 growth and replication kinetics during co-infections. A better understanding of these phenomena will help to prepare suitable vaccine candidates for SARS-CoV-2 and might explain differential viral severity in individuals.

Employment

  • Translational Health Science and Technology Institute Senior Research Scientist
    2022 - Present
  • Translational Health Science and Technology Institute Research Scientist
    2019 - 2022

Education

  • International Centre For Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology New Delhi PhD
    2008 - 2013
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University MSc Life Sciences
    2006 - 2008
  • Banaras Hindu University BSc Zoology (Hons)
    2002 - 2005

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (3)