Dr. Samia Afzal is a pivotal member of the Molecular Virology group, which plays a crucial role in advancing the treatment and management of viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and the Chikungunya virus. Dr. Samia’s group collaborates closely with healthcare professionals and patients to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by these diseases. This is achieved through a combination of research, disease awareness initiatives, and effective disease management strategies.
The primary focus of Dr. Samia’s research group is on viral diseases. They are dedicated to studying DNA and RNA viruses that affect humans, with a specific emphasis on their prevalence in different geographical regions of Pakistan. Their research methodologies encompass structural, cell-based, molecular, and biochemical techniques. These methods are utilized to unravel essential aspects of genome replication, gene expression, virus entry, and transmission.
By delving into these areas, the group contributes to a deeper understanding of vital protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions, which hold key implications for life processes and the development of novel antiviral approaches.
The group’s core objective revolves around strengthening research and developmental pursuits, particularly in the application of molecular biology within the field of medical virology. A prominent area of their focus lies in investigating viral epidemics at the genomic level, elucidating host-virus interactions, delineating various pathways, and developing diagnostic assays. Furthermore, their efforts extend to the exploration of vaccine candidates for potential development.
Dr. Samia’s group has established valuable collaborations, including partnerships with prominent institutions such as the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (USA), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Centre De Recherche, University Grenoble Alpes (France), and Queen Mary University London. These collaborations reflect the group's commitment to global engagement and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
In essence, Dr. Samia Afzal and her Molecular Virology group are at the forefront of impactful research endeavors, contributing significantly to our understanding of viral diseases, their mechanisms, and potential interventions. Their dedication to scientific advancement and collaboration holds promise for improved health outcomes and innovative solutions in the field of virology.

Selected Publications:

1. Sadia Butt, Muhammad Idrees, Irshad Ur Rehman, Haji Akbar, Muhammad Shahid, Samia Afzal, Saima Younas and Iram Amin. Mixed genotype infection with Hepatitis C Virus. Emerging Infectious Diseases2011; 17(8) 1565-1567. (IF 16.126). 
2. Muhammad Usman Ashraf, Kanzal Iman, Farhan Khalid, Muhammad Salman Hafiz, Talha Shafi, Momal Rafi, Nida Javaid, Rashid Hussain, Fayyaz Ahmad, Syed Shahzad ul Hussan, Shaper Mirza, Muhammad Shafiq, Samia Afzal. Evolution of Efficacious Pan-Genotypic
   HCV Therapies. Medicinal Research Reviews,2019, 39:1091–1136 (IF=13.3) 
3. 3. † Zuzana Macek Jilkova, † Samia Afzal, et al. Progression of fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis is associated with IL-17+ neutrophils. Liver International, 2016, 36(8):1116-24. (IF=8.754). 
4. Samia Afzal, Muhammad Idrees, Mazhar Hussain. De Novo modeling of Envelope 2 protein of HCV isolated from Pakistani patient and epitopes prediction for vaccine development. Journal of Translational Medicine, 2014, 12:115 (IF=8.44). 
5. Samia Afzal*, Muhammad Hassan et al. Breast Cancer; Discovery of Novel Diagnostic Biomarkers, Drug Resistance, and Therapeutic Implications. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 2022, 9:783450 (IF=6.113).
6. Samia Afzal*, Khadija Fiaz, et al. Interrelated Oncogenic Viruses and Breast Cancer. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 2022, 9:781111 (IF=6.113). 
7. Hifsa Mobeen, Muhammad Safdar, Asma Fatima, Samia Afzal*, Hassan Zaman, Zuhair Mehdi. Emerging applications of nanotechnology in context to immunology: A comprehensive review. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2022, 10:1024871. (IF=6.064) 
8. 8. Samia Afzal, Muhammad Idrees, et al.Mutations in the E2-PePHD region of hepatitis C virus genotype-3a and correlation with response to interferon and ribavirin combination therapy in Pakistani patients. Virology Journal. 2010, 7:377 (IF=5.913). 
9. Samia Afzal, Muhammad Idrees, et al.Role of Serine (75 & 277) E2 gene of HCV 1a in interferon resistance: A sequence alignment approach. Virology Journal2011, 8:71(IF=5.913). 
10. Ayma Aftab, Samia Afzal*, Zahida Qamar, Muhammad Idrees. Early detection of MDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis mutations in Pakistan. Scientific Reports, 2021, 11:16736. (IF=4.996).