Alessandra Vitelli

Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Alessandra Vitelli is a biochemist whose work has advanced the study of viral proteases, particularly in the context of hepatitis C virus (HCV) drug discovery. Her research centers on the development of high-throughput screening methodologies and enzymatic assays to identify and characterize inhibitors of viral replication. Vitelli’s most notable contribution is the design of a radiometric assay for the HCV NS3 protease, a key target for antiviral therapy. This assay, detailed in her 1999 paper (14 citations), enabled rapid, sensitive measurement of protease activity, facilitating the screening of compound libraries for potential inhibitors. While her citation count reflects a focused, early-career impact, her work laid critical groundwork for subsequent studies on NS3 protease inhibitors, which have since become cornerstones of HCV treatment regimens. Vitelli’s methodological innovation underscores her role in bridging basic enzymology and translational drug development, offering a valuable tool for researchers targeting viral proteases. Her contributions remain relevant for students and scientists exploring antiviral strategies, particularly in the context of high-throughput assay design and protease biochemistry.