Profile

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.

Current Focus Areas

  • Understanding cross-reactivity and co-infection of viruses: • SARS—CoV-2 VOCs, • Common Coronaviruses (NL63, 229E, OC43, HKU1), •Dengue(1-4), •Influenza

  • Developing serological tools for public health importance: • Pseudo virus generation and neutralisation assays, • Multiplex-Luminex bead based assay.

Selected Publications

  • Sadhu S, Dandotiya J, Dalal R, Khatri R, Mykytyn AZ, Batra A, Kaur M, Chandwaskar R, Singh V, Kamboj A, Srivastava M, Mani S, Asthana S, Samal S, Rizvi ZA, Salunke DB, Haagmans BL, Awasthi A. (December, 2023). Fangchinoline inhibits SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV entry. Antiviral Research, 220/105743

  • Rizvi ZA, Madan U, Tripathy MR, Goswami S, Mani S, Awasthi A, Dikshit M. (September, 2023). Evaluation of Ayush-64 (a Polyherbal Formulation) and Its Ingredients in the Syrian Hamster Model for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Reveals the Preventative Potential of Alstonia scholaris. Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 16/9/1333

  • Rizvi ZA, Dandotiya J, Sadhu S, Khatri R, Singh J, Singh V, Adhikari N, Sharma K, Das V, Pandey AK, Das B, Medigeshi G, Mani S, Bhatnagar S, Samal S, Pandey AK, Garg PK, Awasthi A. (September, 2023). Omicron sub-lineage BA.5 infection results in attenuated pathology in hACE2 transgenic mice. Communications Biology, 6/1/935

  • Wang LF, Mani S, Tan CW, Anderson DE. (August, 2023). Assays for Detecting Henipavirus Antibodies. Nipah Virus: Methods and Protocols, 245-258

  • Mani S, Kaur A, Jakhar K, Kumari G, Sonar S, Kumar A, Das S, Kumar S, Kumar V, Kundu R, Pandey AK, Singh UP, Majumdar T. (August, 2023). Targeting DPP4-RBD interactions by sitagliptin and linagliptin delivers a potential host-directed therapy against pan-SARS-CoV-2 infections. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 245/125444

Skills & Proficiency

Cross-reactivity Co-infections Viral Pathogenesis Vaccines Luminex platform ADE Dengue Coronavirus Pseudovirus ABSL3