Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. a company that wants to develop antiviral drugs would ask a research immunologist to study —

The company that wants to develop antiviral drugs would ask a research immunologist to study the mechanism used by the virus to infect cells. Oral herpes is a viral infection mainly of the mouth area and lips caused by specific type of the herpes simplex virus. It is also termed as the HSV-1, type 1 herpes simplex virus, or herpes labialis. Herpes simplex virus entry or penetration into cells may be a highly complex process and the mechanism of entry may demonstrate unique cell-types specificities. 

Ihaven't done that yet, so no idea,but this is not the right place to ask