Research at a Glance

Research in the Götte lab is focused on biochemical studies of viral polymerases. These enzymes can be viewed as “engines” of virus genome replication. Antiviral drugs that target virus-specific polymerases are approved for treatment of infection with HIV, HCV, HBV, herpesviruses and coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. The Götte lab has made significant contributions to the discovery and development of viral polymerase inhibitors. These activities include the identification of selective and broad-spectrum antivirals and studies on the mechanisms of action and drug resistance. 

Latest Publications

• Mechanism and Spectrum of Inhibition of Viral Polymerases by 2′-deoxy-2′-β-fluoro-4′-azidocytidine or Azvudine https://doi.org/10.1093/narmme/ugaf029

• Novel tricycle expanded purine nucleosides with pan-viral activity
  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmc.2025.118384 

• Single-Molecule Assay Reveals Binding Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Polymerase Components and Provides a New Tool to Distinguish Polymerase Inhibitors
  https://doi.org/10.1021/acsinfecdis.5c00062