Cell Line Development and Molecular Virology Lab
Development and engineering of virus-based biopharmaceuticals for gene therapy and vaccines.

Research Focus
The Cell Line Development and Molecular Virology (CLD&MV) lab combines interdisciplinary expertise and competences in molecular and cell biology, virology, and animal cell culture technology.
Our research is anchored on applied virology to advance the development of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) for gene therapy applications.
Our core areas of activity range from the design of novel recombinant viruses or viral particles; the development of expression systems for biomanufacturing; cell line engineering; and the development of enabling tools for virus research. The tools developed are applied in research projects in drug-discovery, vaccines and antiviral therapies.
Areas of Activity
Design and Development of Expression Systems for Biomanufacturing
Design and construction of the genetic cassettes for protein and virus expression using advanced molecular biology tools (for transient, viral mediated or stable expression)
Cell Line Development
Establishment of novel cell lines or genetic enhancement of cell substrates through stable expression, knockout or knockdown, and clonal screening
Recombinant Virus Design and Engineering
Design and genetic enhancement of recombinant viruses and particles (e.g. based on lentivirus, adeno-associated virus, adenovirus) to improve the product therapeutic efficacy (specificity, tropism, transduction efficiency, immune response)
Development of Enabling Tools for Virus Research
Development of genetic tools and methods to detect, quantify and characterize viruses and viral particles (e.g. biosensors for virus detection and quantification) in the context of research projects in drug-discovery, vaccines and antiviral therapies.





Ana Sofia Coroadinha
Head of Cell Line Development and Molecular Virology Lab
I am leading the Cell Line Development and Molecular Virology team as Head of Lab since 2009.
In this role I have led and managed national and international projects in the areas of applied virology with the aim to provide therapeutic solutions for human healthcare.