Defining the mechanisms of virus replication and understanding the role of immune cells and host factors in regulating viral infection are essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Dr. Wu’s lab studies the mechanisms of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 replication, virus interaction with host factors, and anti-viral innate immunity. The lab focuses on the mechanisms of HIV-1 restriction by the host protein SAMHD1, a unique cellular dNTP triphosphohydrolase that regulates dNTP homeostasis and maintains genomic stability. The lab also investigates the mechanisms by which N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modifications of viral and cellular RNA regulate virus gene expression and the host cell response to infection. These mechanistic studies can lay the foundation to facilitate the development of more effective interventions against viral infections.

Currently projects in the Wu lab are:

1. SAMHD1-mediated regulation of HIV-1 innate immunity and viral gene expression.

2. Targeting HIV-1 RNA modifications in latently infected CD4+ T cells for therapeutic development.

3. HIV-1-induced upregulation of m⁶A modifications of cellular RNA in CD4⁺ T-cells.

4. Epitranscriptomic m⁶A profile of SARS-CoV-2-infected human lung epithelial cells.