Research Interest

Our research focuses on the molecular functions of viral immediate-early and regulatory proteins of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), representative members of the alpha- and beta-herpesvirus subfamilies that cause severe disease in immunocompromised individuals and during congenital or latent/reactivated infections.

The central goal of our laboratory is to elucidate virus–host interactions at the cellular and molecular levels. In particular, we investigate the mechanisms governing host antiviral defenses, including intrinsic and innate immune responses, and the viral strategies that counteract or exploit these defense systems to establish productive infection.

A major emphasis of our work is the interplay between viral regulatory proteins and host post-translational modification systems, especially the ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitin-like protein (Ubl) pathways, during herpesvirus infection. We aim to define how viral proteins manipulate these pathways to control viral gene expression, viral DNA replication, and host cellular processes.

To address these questions, we employ a broad range of state-of-the-art approaches in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics. Ultimately, our research seeks to provide a mechanistic framework for understanding how herpesviruses reprogram infected host cells to facilitate efficient progeny virus production and persistent infection.

Current Projects:

- Identifying host restriction factors during virus infection

- Roles for Ub and Ubl in regulating viruses

- Viral genome editing using the CRISPR technology

- Development of viral vector for gene therapy using herpesvirus and prototype foamy virus

- Development of rapid diagnosis tools for viruses

- Genotypic and phenotypic diversity of VZV in herpes zoster patients

- Screen of antiviral drugs from phytochemicals

Lab Personnel 

김의태 | Eui Tae Kim, PhD / Associate Professor

Lab Alumni

Former Members

Grants