معرفی
Dr. John N. Barr is an Associate Professor in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Leeds, Faculty of Biological Sciences. He leads the Microbiology undergraduate programme and conducts research on negative-sense RNA viruses, including high-pathogenic agents such as Ebola virus, CCHFV, and bunyaviruses.
His research interests include:
- Molecular and cellular biology of enveloped RNA viruses
- Structural biology of viral proteins
- Mechanisms of viral gene expression
- Host-virus protein interactions
- Global impact of viral infection on host cell processes
Dr. Barr's work involves both high-containment studies of Hazard Level-4 pathogens through collaboration with Public Health England at Porton Down, and safer model systems using Bunyamwera virus (BUNV) and Hazara virus (HAZV). These model systems allow rapid, safe investigation applicable to more dangerous relatives within the Bunyavirales order.
He is actively involved in student education, serving as UG Programme Leader for Microbiology and participating in graduate and undergraduate education committees. He welcomes PhD applications and contributes to the Faculty Graduate School.
Dr. Barr's research aims to understand the mechanisms of virus multiplication to inform targeted antiviral strategies that disrupt viral replication without harming host cells.
He is a member of the following committees:
- Graduate School Committee (Faculty representative on Graduate Board Examinations Group)
- Undergraduate School Taught Student Education Committee
His laboratory leverages live-cell imaging and studies ionic triggers in endosomes to understand essential mechanisms of enveloped virus entry. Collaborative infrastructure enables advanced research on pathogenic viruses with global health implications.
