Bert Vanmechelen

Mechanistic insights into coronavirus inhibition by a distinct base-modified adenosine analog targeting the viral polymerase

This paper investigates the mechanism of 6-ethyl-modified 7-deazaadenosine (EDA) as a coronavirus inhibitor, showing it stalls viral polymerase without causing mutagenesis.

A panel of biologically contained orthoebolaviruses for the screening of broad-spectrum antivirals

This study develops a biosafety level 2-compatible panel of orthoebolaviruses for screening broad-spectrum antivirals, identifying both broad-acting and virus-specific candidates.

An optimized RNA polymerase II minigenome system for Nipah virus

This paper develops optimized RNA polymerase II-driven minigenomes for Nipah virus to enable safer research and antiviral screening.

4'-fluorouridine is a potent inhibitor of Oropouche virus in vitro and in animal infection models

This study shows 4'-fluorouridine inhibits Oropouche virus replication in vitro and in animal models, with no resistant variants observed.

Random mutagenesis of influenza hemagglutinin identifies new sites which modulate its acid-stability and cleavability

This study identifies mutations in influenza hemagglutinin that increase acid-stability and decrease cleavability, with implications for viral transmissibility and vaccine development.

A guanidine-based coronavirus replication inhibitor which targets the nsp15 endoribonuclease and selects for interferon-susceptible mutant viruses

This paper identifies EPB-113, a guanidine-based inhibitor of coronavirus nsp15 endoribonuclease, which suppresses viral replication and selects for interferon-susceptible mutants.

Genetic diversity and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in Belgium during the first wave outbreak

This study analyzes SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity in Belgium during its first wave, linking variant distribution to epidemiological measures and mutations.