Research Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the persistence of coronaviruses and the potential for future outbreaks. The researchers aim to expand understanding of host-pathogen interactions with SARS-CoV-2, focusing on autophagy, a cell-autonomous defense system against viruses. They aim to understand the relationships between SARS-CoV-2 and autophagy defense systems, and develop therapeutics modulating autophagy for intervention in COVID-19. Recent studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 inhibits autophagy and may hijack membranes needed for autophagosome formation. The researchers aim to expand these relationships to the related lysosomal system, using their knowledge of autophagy and lysosomal systems. They aim to define these relationships and develop a foundation for future prophylaxis and intervention in coronavirus infections. The proposed studies will enhance our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenesis, and identify the molecular mechanisms by which autophagy and related lysosomal systems protect against cell death.