Virology

This program examines the molecular function and structure of viral genes, viral proteins, and virions, and the cellular factors that interact with these components to facilitate or impair viral infection.  Faculty in this program area use a variety of biochemical, biophysical, cellular, genetic, immunological, and molecular approaches to understand how viruses and their genomes and gene products affect host defenses, contribute to viral pathogenesis, and assemble molecular complexes and infectious virus particles as part of their life cycles.  Faculty in this area of research also examine the host immune response to viruses