Leo Liu

My laboratory is interested in understanding the fundamental innate immune sensing mechanisms and their interplay with viral pathogens. We use RIG-I-like receptors and respiratory RNA viruses, particularly influenza A virus and coronaviruses, as models to discover new players in pattern recognition and regulation of antiviral innate immunity. We leverage state-of-the-art experimental approaches that combine genome-wide phenotypic screens, reverse genetics, and animal models to dissect the host-virus interface at a molecular level. Our ultimate goal is to achieve bench-to-bedside translation of innovative antiviral therapies and vaccines.

Liu, G.*, & Gack, M. U.* (2023). An optimized circular polymerase extension reaction-based method for functional analysis of SARS-CoV-2. Virology Journal, 20(1), 1-9. *Co-corresponding author Sarkar, L.†, Liu, G.†, & Gack, M. U. (2023). ISG15: its roles in SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections. Trends in Microbiology, 31(12):1262-1275. (†equal contribution) (Review) Chen, D. Y.†, Chin, C. V.†, Kenney, D., Tavares, A. H., Khan, N., Conway, H. L., Liu, G., ... & Saeed, M. (2023). Spike and nsp6 are key determinants of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA. 1 attenuation. Nature, 615(7950), 143-150.