The Feng group focuses on the dynamic interactions between herpesviruses and host innate immune system during infection and pathogenesis. We are particularly interested in human lymphotropic herpesviruses (such as human Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus) that are capable of inducing tumors in immuno-compromised individuals, including organ transplant recipients and AIDS patients.
Recent accomplishments of our lab include:
- Discovering the hijacking of the innate immune signaling pathway MAVS-IKKβ to promote viral replication: enabling viral transcription activation and disabling host antiviral cytokine production
- Identifying critical roles of innate immune signaling components (e.g., IKKε) in inflammation-associated oncogenesis (e.g., viral GPCR)
