V Stalin Raj

V Stalin Raj serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Biology at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram, where he leads research on coronavirus virology and host-pathogen interactions. Previously, he worked as a Scientist at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands (2010-2017) and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Liege, Belgium.

Dr. Raj earned his PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Madras in 2007, with thesis research on White Spot Syndrome Virus and Monodon Baculovirus affecting farmed Penaeus monodon. His academic journey includes a BSc in Microbiology (1999) from the University of Madras and an MSc in Biotechnology (2001) from Madurai Kamaraj University.

His primary research focuses on coronavirus entry mechanisms, virus-host interactions, and vaccine development. Dr. Raj is particularly known for his work identifying dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) as the functional receptor for MERS-CoV, published in Nature (2013). His laboratory investigates how coronaviruses like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 enter host cells, with emphasis on developing broad-spectrum antivirals and thermostable vaccines suitable for resource-limited settings. Current projects explore natural compounds like EGCG from green tea as potential inhibitors of viral entry across multiple coronavirus strains.

Analysis of his recent publication record reveals a strong focus on coronavirus spike protein interactions, neutralizing antibody development, and innovative vaccine platforms. His work spans fundamental virology to translational applications, with increasing emphasis on addressing challenges posed by SARS-CoV-2 variants and the need for broadly reactive coronavirus countermeasures.

Scientific Recognition

• Co-author on multiple high-impact papers in Nature, Science, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, and PNAS
• Key contributor to identifying DPP4 as the MERS-CoV receptor, a fundamental discovery in coronavirus research
• Recipient of postdoctoral fellowships at University of Liege and research opportunities at prestigious institutions including Erasmus MC

Dr. Raj serves as a journal referee for Emerging Infectious Disease (CDC), Eurosurveillance (ECDC), Journal of Virological Methods, and other prominent virology publications. His research program at IISER Thiruvananthapuram focuses on developing thermostable vaccine platforms and investigating mechanisms of viral entry inhibition, with particular attention to making coronavirus countermeasures accessible in resource-limited settings worldwide.