Prof Ian Clarke
BSc(Hons), PhD
Professor of Virology
Profile page(s)
Ian leads a research team that is interested in host-pathogen interactions with special emphasis on intracellular pathogens and diseases for which there are currently no effective vaccines. His specialism is enteric viruses.
The ‘Southampton virus’ was the first norovirus to be characterised at the molecular level (published in Science). The group have subsequently developed the first reverse genetics system for noroviruses and the long term aim is to adapt human norovirus to growth in cell culture.
Ian also leads the Chlamydia research group which focusses on basic science with expertise in chlamydial molecular biology, genetics, genomics and evolution
Landmark publications:
Sequence and genome organization of a human small round-structured (Norwalk-like) virus
PR Lambden, EO Caul, CR Ashley, N Clarke
Science 259 (5094), 516-519
Y Wang, S Kahane, LT Cutcliffe, RJ Skilton, PR Lambden, IN Clarke
PLoS pathogens 7 (9), e1002258
Impact example:
‘Southampton virus' was the first human noroviruses and for which the complete sequence was deteremined. Characterization of this virus represented the culmination of many years work to pinpoint the causative viral agent of epidemic non bacterial gastroenteritis. The first reverse genetics system for noroviruses developed jointly between Otago and Southampton. In collaboration with Professor Jon Cooper we determined the structure of human norovirus 3C protease this now allows the development of antivirals.