Virus-host interactions
Genome editing, Immune evasion, Virus-host interaction
Research aim
To uncover new mechanisms of virus-host interactions and develop innovative antiviral strategies using genome engineering technologies.
About us
We explore the complex interplay between viruses and their human host cells, focusing on Herpesviruses (HSV1, HCMV, EBV) and respiratory viruses (RSV, SARS-CoV-2).
Herpesviruses persist as lifelong infections in most humans, often causing severe complications in immunocompromised individuals, including congenital defects and cancer. Similarly, respiratory viruses pose significant global health burdens, with RSV and SARS-CoV-2 being leading causes of respiratory hospitalizations in vulnerable populations.
We use advanced CRISPR/Cas9 screening to identify host genes crucial for viral infection and study the diverse mechanisms viruses employ to evade immune responses, with a focus on evasion of antigen presentation.
Additionally, we pioneer genome editing techniques to design novel antiviral therapies. These approaches aim to directly target viral genomes, addressing limitations of current antiviral drugs and offering potential cures for latent infections.