Research

The Lee Laboratory is dedicated to the discovery and development of novel antiviral agents, with a focus on understanding virus-host interactions and host-targeted therapeutic strategies. 

By integrating molecular virology, chemical biology, and computational approaches, our lab aims to develop broad-spectrum antivirals and dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying viral infection, replication, and immune evasion.

 Key Research Areas

• Antiviral Drug Discovery

We identify and characterize small molecules, peptides, and natural compounds that inhibit replication of major human viruses, including hepatitis C virus (HCV), norovirus, and coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43). Particular emphasis is placed on host-targeted mechanisms and viral entry inhibition.

• Host-Pathogen Interaction

Using primary and immortalized human airway and epithelial cell models, we explore how viruses exploit host cell differentiation states and immune signaling. Our recent work identified virus-rich intermediate epithelial cells as crucial targets for SARS-CoV-2.

• Peptide Engineering & Natural Product Chemistry

The lab is actively developing and optimizing antiviral peptides (e.g., brevinin-1EMa derivatives) and lectins (e.g., Griffithsin), as well as screening resveratrol oligomers, indole derivatives, and vinyl-stilbenes for antiviral potential.

• Oxidative Stress & Immune Modulation

We investigate how viruses manipulate oxidative stress pathways, such as Nrf2 and PPARγ, and explore strategies to therapeutically modulate host responses to infection.

• AI-Assisted Antiviral Design (Emerging Focus)

We are incorporating artificial intelligence tools, such as machine learning and molecular docking simulations, to predict compound activity, prioritize candidates, and accelerate the antiviral discovery pipeline.

 Core Techniques and Platforms

• Cell-based infection models (airway ALI, keratinocyte cultures)

• Virus replication assays, immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR

• CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, reporter assays

• Natural product extraction, chemical synthesis, SAR analysis

• Computational modeling of protein-ligand interactions and viral structures

 Vision

Our long-term goal is to translate fundamental discoveries into therapeutic innovations for viral diseases. We aim to build a bridge between pharmacology, virology, and AI-driven drug development to meet the challenge of emerging viral threats.