Professor Andrew Mercer

University of Otago
Microbiology and Immunology
My research adopts an integrated, multi-faceted approach to the study of large DNA viruses that coordinates research in the biomedical sphere with agribiotechnology research. Large DNA viruses express an astonishing array of proteins that manipulate responses to infection including through the suppression of inflammatory responses, increasing blood flow to sites of infection and other mechanisms. My group has a specific interest in developing these novel viral proteins as new therapeutics for the treatment of a range human conditions, in particular acute wounds and wounds that do not heal at expected rates.