SIMPSON JOSEPH

All viruses use the protein synthesis machinery of the host cell to synthesize viral proteins. Many viruses such as influenza, polio, HIV and HCV have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to temporally regulate the expression of viral genes to successfully multiply in the host cell. We are focusing on influenza virus, which causes seasonal flu. During severe flu epidemics, influenza virus is responsible for about 52,000 deaths a year in the United States alone and more than 20 million worldwide. In addition, influenza virus can rapidly mutate into highly virulent strains threatening large populations as seen recently with the bird flu and swine flu pandemics. We are interested in understanding how influenza virus is able to hijack the protein synthesis machinery of the host cell to predominantly translate viral mRNAs. Understanding the mechanisms used by influenza virus to translate viral mRNAs will provide insights for developing novel antiviral therapeutics... We are part of a..

Also known as: Joseph Lab

Primary location: La Jolla United States