Nazar Beirag

I am currently investigating how bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs) influence the infection of human adenoviruses (HAdV-40 and HAdV-41) in the gastrointestinal tract. Under supervision in Annasara Lenman lab and Sun Nyunt Wai lab, this project focuses on isolating and characterising BMVs derived from both commensal and pathogenic gut bacteria and studying their impact on viral infectivity in intestinal epithelial cells. The findings from this work aim to uncover bacterial factors that either promote or inhibit adenoviral infections, with potential implications for developing novel therapeutic strategies against viral gastroenteritis and improving adenovirus-based oral vaccine platforms.

I recently completed my PhD in Immunity and Infection at Brunel University London (2019–2024), where my thesis focused on innate immune surveillance mechanisms during COVID-19. My academic background includes an M.Sc. in Immunohematology and a B.Sc. in Biomedical Science from Cardiff Metropolitan University. Throughout my training, I have developed broad expertise in molecular biology, immunological assays, cellular virology, protein biochemistry, and bioinformatics, along with extensive experience working under GLP and GCP regulations. In addition to my research activities, I have contributed to various peer-reviewed publications exploring the role of complement and surfactant proteins in viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A virus. My work has also been recognised through presentations at international conferences such as the International Complement Workshop (ICW) in 2021 and 2023.