Aakriti Gangwal, MSc, PhD

Novel strategies for pandemic preparedness are urgently needed. Our team validated the four members of the NAK family of kinases as attractive targets for broad-spectrum antivirals. Yet, to date there are no approved selective NAK inhibitors, and the signaling pathways regulated by NAKs remain largely unknown. For the first time, we have now developed quinazoline-based inhibitors that are NAK selective and PK enhanced. My data show that these inhibitors have potent activity against RNA viruses, including dengue. This project’s goals are to determine the therapeutic potential of these compounds and map the signaling pathways that NAKs regulate. To achieve these goals, I will integrate virology, kinase biochemistry, pharmacology, and proteomics approaches. This project is designed to deliver a drug-like broad-spectrum antiviral for further development and novel insights into the regulation and functions of understudied kinases. It will also advance my career in translational research.