معرفی
Dr. Niluka Goonawardane is a Wellcome Career Development Fellow at the University of Leeds, Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the variable pathogenicity of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) subtypes using advanced 3D human models such as cerebral organoids and BBB-organ chips.
Her research interests lie at the intersection of virology, neurobiology, and molecular cell biology. She investigates how neurotropic viruses manipulate host signaling pathways—particularly through viral proteins NS1, NS3, and NS5—and how host factors like IRF-3, BCL2, and G3BP1 influence disease severity and persistence. Her lab develops and applies nanoscale imaging, multi-omics, and ex vivo approaches to dissect virus-host interactions in physiologically relevant systems.
The recent publications from her program reflect a strong trend in host-pathogen interactions, viral pathogenesis, and translational virology. Her work leverages cutting-edge models like organoids and organ-chips to study neuroinvasion, BBB disruption, and cell-type-specific responses to infection. The integration of imaging, omics, and functional virology enables a systems-level understanding of TBEV infection, with implications for antiviral development.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- Wellcome Career Development Award (CDA) Fellow
As a principal investigator, Dr. Goonawardane leads an independent research program funded by Wellcome, mentoring trainees and collaborating across disciplines. Her work bridges fundamental virology with translational applications, including drug discovery and biomarker identification. While no specific grants beyond the CDA are listed, her research infrastructure suggests support for advanced imaging, organoid culture, and omics technologies.
Her research is conducted within a multidisciplinary lab environment utilizing 3D human cerebral organoids, BBB-organ chips, and nano-resolution imaging platforms to model viral infection and pathogenesis in a human-relevant context.
