Investigating RNA viral pathogens, virus-host interactions, prevention and treatment
The combined research mission of the Liang/Ly laboratories led by Professors Yuying Liang and Hinh Ly includes understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenesis, as well as understanding virus-host interactions in the replication and pathogenesis of zoonotic viral pathogens (arenaviruses such as Lassa virus, coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2, and influenza viruses) with the end goal to utilize this knowledge to develop novel preventative and treatment measures for communicable diseases in humans and animals.
Research projects specifically include investigating RNA viral pathogens, Lassa fever virus and influenza virus, the former causing highly virulent hemorrhagic fever disease in humans and the latter remaining a global threat to human and agricultural animal health. Additional investigations have also revealed novel mechanisms by which arenaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 suppress host innate immunity to promote viral replication and cause severe and lethal infections.
This knowledge is utilized to develop a novel, safe, and effective viral vector platform, with which to create and test new vaccines against various pathogens that include but are not necessarily limited to diverse arenaviral pathogens and the constantly evolving influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2. Various animal models, such as mice, guinea pigs, chickens, turkeys, swine, etc. have been successfully used in the Liang/Ly lab to evaluate the protective efficacy of some of the new antivirals and vaccines against different communicable diseases.