BIO-DEFENSPlant biodiversity for the sustainable production of molecules with antiviral properties: plant "stem" cells as sources of defensins
Project start and end date
July 2022 - January 2024
Project objectives
The aim of the project is to explore the great biodiversity of plant molecules to identify compounds active against (re)-emerging viral infections. A sustainable, low-cost and innovative system will be developed, based on plant "stem" cells, for the production of defensins, cationic defense peptides active against a vast number of pathogens and highly conserved in evolution. The analysis and characterization of the antiviral activity of defensins will provide information aimed at opening new therapeutic perspectives.
Project Manager
Laura De Gara - Full Professor
Coordinating institution of the project
Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma
Other Institutions involved
Istituto Superiore di Sanita
Funding source(s).
Funded by the Lazio Region in response to the competitive call "Research groups 2020" - POR FESR Lazio 2014-2020 - Action 1.2.