Prof. CHEN Honglin
Professor, Department of Microbiology
Email: hlchen@hku.hk
Study interest:
– Molecular basis of host adaptation of influenza A viruses and coronaviruses
– Host restriction of avian influenza A virus replication
– DelNS1 live attenuated influenza vaccine system for flu and respiratory pathogens
– Function and regulation of miRNAs and lncRNAs encoded by Epstein-Barr virus.
https://hkumicro.hku.hk/university-staff/prof-chen-honglin/
Dr. MOK Wing Yee, Bobo
“Balancing Passion and Joy in the Pursuit of Knowledge..”— Dr. MOK Wing Yee, Bobo
Bobo obtained her PhD in Infection Biology from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. Her primary focus is on exploring the biological characteristics of the NS1 protein, derived from the influenza A virus. To elucidate the significance of NS1, she investigates its interaction with the interferon system in innate immunity and the molecular mechanisms of host antagonism towards the NS1 protein. Additionally, she is passionate about the epigenetic regulation of gene expression and RNA granules in relation to cellular responses to pathogens.
https://hkumicro.hku.hk/university-staff/dr-mok-wing-yee-bobo/
Dr. WANG Pui
RESEARCH FOCUS
1. Development of bivalent live attenuated influenza vaccines.
2. Pathogenecity of emerging viruses in human and animal model.
3. Molecular mechanism for host restriction of virus replication and cross species transmission of emerging viruses.
Dr. LIU Siwen
“Persistence is crucial.” — Dr. Siwen Liu
Siwen obtained her Ph.D. degree in Virology from HKU. Her research primarily revolves around studying the mechanisms of interspecies transmission of emerging pathogens, molecular recognition of pathogens, and developing antiviral strategies (e.g. Influenza Virus, SARS-CoV-2).
Dr. TAM Chun Yee, Rachel
“Don’t be a robot to your old success…..”— Dr. TAM Chun Yee, Rachel
Rachel conducted her Ph.D in Immunology at the University of Hong Kong studying the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In 2019 Rachel joined the Chen Lab to investigate the DelNS1 vaccine-induced mucosal immune response, specifically in the area of the effect of tissue inflammation and local tissue resident memory T cell generation. Concurrently she is interested in the counterplay between virus and the host in the upper respiratory mucosa. Outside the lab, Rachel enjoys travelling, working out, leisure reading and trying out new restaurants in her free time.
Dr. DENG, Shaofeng
“Actions speak louder than words..”— Dr. DENG, Shaofeng
My research interests are in the development of influenza virus vector-based SARS-Co-V-2 vaccines, and other novel viral vaccines, as well as vaccine mechanisms of action and related immunological studies, including viral immune escape and pathogen-host interactions, which are crucial for optimizing vaccine development and improving vaccine efficacy.
Ms. LIU Ying
“Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.”— Ms. LIU Ying
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID -19). The development of an effective vaccine with high safety is the most important way to achieve effective protection against SARS-CoV-2. This vaccine is expected to be developed based on the influenza virus backbone to induce a high level of neutralizing antibodies against the VOCs of SARS-CoV-2, elicit a high-level immune response, and provide protection against virus replication.
Ms. KUKIC Anja
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure…...”— Ms. KUKIC Anja
My study interest involves investigating the epigenetic role of influenza A nuclear NS1 protein in viral replication and host transcription.
Therefore, my research will aim to investigate NS1 role in the viral replication within nucleus of the host and the mechanisms behind host innate immune suppression via regulation of the host gene transcription. With help of bioinformatics, my plan is to identify novel transcripts and their functional consequences via NS1-induced readthrough transcription.
Ms. LIAO Yingyin, Irene
“Actions speak louThe harder you work, the luckier you get.der than words.”— Ms. LIAO Yingyin, Irene
Study interest is ow NS1 protein of the influenza virus regulates host and viral splicing”.
Ms. REN Shuang
“When in doubt, go to the library.”— Ms. REN Shuang
Mr. LI Ngo Shing, Leo
My study interest is focused on understanding the pathogenicity, transmission, and immune response of respiratory infections such as Influenza and Covid-19. For Influenza, I am interested in examining the molecular mechanisms of viral evolution and developing new strategies for improving vaccine efficacy. For Covid-19, my research interest is centered around identifying the long-term health consequences of infection and exploring the immunological and virological factors that contribute to disease severity.
Dr. LIU Wai Man, Raymond
Professor Chen has many years of experience in microbiology research and covers a wide range of topics from EBV, influenza to SARS-CoV2. His studies are visionary, and his team is energetic and ambitious. If you want to fight against emerging infectious diseases and are ready for the challenge, let’s join Prof. Chen’s team.