Research Analyst
Brenda W. Bontes
Research
Our research focuses on fundamental antiviral virology, particularly coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and MHV. We study virus–host interactions and aim to identify vulnerabilities for antiviral intervention. I perform experiments in BSL-1 to BSL-3 laboratories, including virus handling, reverse-engineering, and testing antiviral compounds in infected and non-infected cells. These efforts generate data that advance understanding of coronavirus replication and support antiviral strategies and preparedness for emerging viral threats.
Curriculum Vitae
I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Medical Microbiology from HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen (2015–2019), where my thesis investigated mitochondrial defects and lipid peroxidation in PLA2G6 variants using human fibroblast.
I currently work as a Research Analyst in Prof. Eric Snijder’s Virology group, conducting coronavirus research and antiviral experiments, including virus handling, reverse engineering, and cell-based testing.
LinkedIn: here
Publications
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A coronavirus assembly inhibitor that targets the viral membrane protein
Laporte M, Jochmans D, Bardiot D, Desmarets L, Debski-Antoniak OJ, Mizzon G, Abdelnabi R, Leyssen P, Chiu W, Zhang Z, Nomura N, Boland S, Ohto U, Stahl Y, Wuyts J, De Jonghe S, Stevaert A, van Hemert MJ, Bontes BW et al.
Nature. 2025 Apr;640(8058):514-523 doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-08773-x
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Structure-function analysis of the nsp14 N7-guanine methyltransferase reveals an essential role in Betacoronavirus replication
Ogando NS, El Kazzi P, Zevenhoven-Dobbe JC, Bontes BW, Decombe A, Posthuma CC, Thiel V, Canard B, Ferron F, Decroly E, Snijder EJ.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021 Dec 7;118(49):e2108709118 doi: 10.1073/pnas.2108709118
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