Our laboratory investigates the roles of virus-host interactions in replication and pathogenesis. We study RNA viruses, including hepatitis C virus, dengue virus, Zika virus, and noroviruses. These are medically important viruses, causing cirrhosis/liver cancer, hemorrhagic fever, birth defects, and severe GI disease, respectively.
We have identified ~100 host cofactors of viral replication. We now study the importance of these cellular genes in diverse steps of the viral life cycle, including entry, the regulation of viral protein translation and RNA replication, modulation of cellular lipid metabolism, the establishment of viral replication complexes, the secretion of infectious virus, and control of infection by the innate immune system.
Rockefeller University
New York, NY
Postdoc - Virology
2005
The University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Ph.D. - Virology
1999
University of Illinois
Urbana, IL
B.S. - Microbiology
1993
HCV NS3/4A protease relocalizes CCTa to viral replication sites, enhancing phosphatidylcholine synthesis and viral replication.
HCV NS3/4A protease relocalizes CCTa to viral replication sites, enhancing phosphatidylcholine synthesis and viral replication. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025 Mar 11; 122(10):e2419632122.
PMID: 40042907
Novel antibody language model accelerates IgG screening and design for broad-spectrum antiviral therapy.
Novel antibody language model accelerates IgG screening and design for broad-spectrum antiviral therapy. bioRxiv. 2024 Aug 20.
PMID: 38496411
The Role of Structural Flexibility in Hydrocarbon-Stapled Peptides Designed to Block Viral Infection via Human ACE2 Mimicry.
The Role of Structural Flexibility in Hydrocarbon-Stapled Peptides Designed to Block Viral Infection via Human ACE2 Mimicry. Pept Sci (Hoboken). 2024 Nov; 116(6).
PMID: 39866902
Soluble Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Protein Improves Survival and Lowers Viral Titers in Lethal Mouse Model of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 2 Infection with the Delta Variant.
Soluble Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Protein Improves Survival and Lowers Viral Titers in Lethal Mouse Model of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 2 Infection with the Delta Variant. Cells. 2024 01 23; 13(3).
PMID: 38334597
Roles of epidermal growth factor receptor, claudin-1 and occludin in multi-step entry of hepatitis C virus into polarized hepatoma spheroids.
Roles of epidermal growth factor receptor, claudin-1 and occludin in multi-step entry of hepatitis C virus into polarized hepatoma spheroids. PLoS Pathog. 2023 Dec; 19(12):e1011887.
PMID: 38157366
CAPRIN1 Is Required for Control of Viral Replication Complexes by Interferon Gamma.
CAPRIN1 Is Required for Control of Viral Replication Complexes by Interferon Gamma. mBio. 2023 06 27; 14(3):e0017223.
PMID: 37052473
Intranasal soluble ACE2 improves survival and prevents brain SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Intranasal soluble ACE2 improves survival and prevents brain SARS-CoV-2 infection. Life Sci Alliance. 2023 07; 6(7).
PMID: 37041017
Superiority of intranasal over systemic administration of bioengineered soluble ACE2 for survival and brain protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Superiority of intranasal over systemic administration of bioengineered soluble ACE2 for survival and brain protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. bioRxiv. 2022 Dec 06.
PMID: 36523403
Transcriptional Inhibition of MicroRNA miR-122 by Small Molecules Reduces Hepatitis C Virus Replication in Liver Cells.
Transcriptional Inhibition of MicroRNA miR-122 by Small Molecules Reduces Hepatitis C Virus Replication in Liver Cells. J Med Chem. 2022 12 22; 65(24):16338-16352.
PMID: 36449366
A comprehensive SARS-CoV-2-human protein-protein interactome reveals COVID-19 pathobiology and potential host therapeutic targets.
A comprehensive SARS-CoV-2-human protein-protein interactome reveals COVID-19 pathobiology and potential host therapeutic targets. Nat Biotechnol. 2023 01; 41(1):128-139.
PMID: 36217030
Investigator in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease Finalist
Burroughs Wellcome Fund
2011
Research Scholar
American Cancer Society
2010 - 2014
Career Development Award
NIH GLRCE
2008 - 2011
Career Development Award
Schweppe Foundation
2007 - 2009
Herman Lopata Hepatitis C Liver Scholar
American Liver Foundation
2007 - 2008
Outstanding New Investigator Award
NIH DDRCC
2006
Postdoctoral Fellow
American Cancer Society
2002 - 2005
National Research Service Award
NIH
1993 - 1995