Viral warfare – frontiers in cellular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions

Prof. Ng highlights two decades of research on chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and broader lessons in infectious disease preparedness. Beginning with Singapore’s 2008 outbreak, the speaker shares how studies uncovered key roles of monocytes, macrophages, and CD4+ T cells in driving joint inflammation, paving the way for therapeutic strategies such as T cell–modulating drugs. Animal models, vaccine development, and drug repurposing have deepened understanding of viral immunity and pathogenesis.

Recent work uncovered a surprising role of mosquito saliva in disease: an Aedes protein, salocinine, suppresses antiviral immunity and shapes disease outcomes. With climate change expanding mosquito habitats and increasing outbreak risks, the talk stresses the urgency of better diagnostics, vaccines, and international collaboration. The key message: tackling emerging infections like chikungunya requires an integrated approach spanning host, virus, and vector biology.