Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry (Research)

Overview

The first hurdle a virus encounters prior to virus infection is engagement at the cell surface. In turn, viruses utilize various strategies to overcome this barrier. Virus entry to a host cell is required for a productive viral infection. Interactions between viruses and their cognate receptors on the cell surface determine the route of virus entry.  Understanding the interactions between viruses and their host cell receptors is required for a full understanding of the virus invasion process. My research focuses on understanding the mechanism by which JCPyV, a human polyoma virus, engages its target cell(s) in the host, identifying determinants of the tissue tropism of viruses, and pursuing possibilities for specific interference of infection.

Brown Affiliations