Elena Arutyunova

Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology

Through leadership in scientific excellence & international collaboration, the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology invests in virology and immunology research to discover new methods to prevent, treat, and cure virus-related disease to reduce the burden of viral disease around the world. The Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology (LKSIoV) unites a consortium of about 40 exemplary researchers affiliated with 14 departments and faculties at the University of Alberta and particularly with the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology. The success of our members, and ultimately the LKSIoV, is dependent on both intra- and inter-collegiate connections, including collaborators in 15 institutes within Canada and 90 Institutes in 25 countries around the world. The research interests of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology members encompass viral pathogenesis, vaccine development, correlates of immunity, enhancement of vaccine efficacy, oncolysis, and development of novel antivirals. Our members have made, and continue to make, a significant impact on human health around world. Dr. D. Lorne Tyrrell is the Founding Director of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Alberta. His research on viral hepatitis resulted in the licensing of the first oral antiviral agent to treat chronic hepatitis B infection - lamivudine - in 1998. Today, lamivudine is licensed in over 200 countries worldwide for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Dr. Tyrrell has received numerous prestigious awards including induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in April 2011. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, he has worked on antivirals and vaccines for SARS-CoV-2. He is a member of the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force that advises the Federal Government on the selection of COVID-19 vaccines based on efficacy, safety, and timely availability for Canada.