Our lab studies the epigenetic (DNA and histone methylation) and epitranscriptional (RNA methylation) aspects in viral infections and antiviral immune responses. We work at the interface of virology, immunology, genetics, cellular and molecular biology. We will identify novel host regulators that control viral infections, persistence, and antiviral immune responses, particularly for HIV, herpesviruses (EBV, KSHV), and respiratory viruses (SARS-CoV-2, influenza), by using functional genomic (RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9), quantitative proteomic (MS, PLATO), as well as single-cell multiomics approaches. We will further dissect the functions and mechanisms of key host regulators using classic cell and/or animal models of viral infections. Newly developed small-molecule compounds targeting host regulators will be investigated as the next-generation antiviral reagents and/or immune modulators.

Areas of Expertise:

• Viral infections, persistence, and antiviral immune responses
• Epigenetic and epitranscriptional regulation of host-virus interactions
• Chemical inhibition of epigenetic and epitranscriptional regulators
• Systematic biology approaches for gene discovery
• AIDS associated malignancies (head and neck cancers, lymphomas) and pathogenesis

Dr. Zhu's Lab