Members of the Microbiology and Immunology faculty interested in virology investigate DNA and RNA viruses that cause acute and persistent infections of humans and model organisms. Basic molecular virology, genetics, and pathogenesis of these viruses are active areas of research. Specific areas of investigation include virus entry, assembly and egress; genetic determinants of virulence; viral RNA replication; viral genome recombination; intracellular trafficking of viruses; viral oncogenesis; gene therapy vectors; mechanisms of immune evasion; innate and adaptive immune responses to viruses; imaging of live virally infected mice; and host factors contributing to virus susceptibility. DNA viruses currently being studied include adenoviruses, BKV, and herpesviruses. Retroviruses studied in the department include HIV and murine leukemia virus. RNA virus study is focused on noroviruses, influenza virus, poliovirus, hepatitis C virus, dengue virus and emerging bunyaviruses.
Faculty researching Viral Pathogens
Kathleen Collins, M.D., Ph.D.
Bethany B. Moore, Ph.D.
Jason Weinberg, M.D.
