Going viral with the Liang/Ly lab

College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences professors Yuying Liang and Hinh Ly, and their laboratory team, Michaela Cain (CMB graduate student), Sarah Corneliuson (lab manager and postbaccalaureate student), Estefany Cotto-López (VMED graduate student), Brigitte Flannery (MICaB graduate student), Qinfeng Huang (researcher 5), Hannah Murphy (CMB graduate student), Emma Prybylski (DVM-PhD student), & Shania Sanchez (CMB graduate student), investigate RNA viral pathogens, virus-host interactions, prevention, and treatment. 

The combined research mission of the Liang/Ly laboratories led by Liang and Ly includes understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenesis, as well as understanding virus-host interactions in the replication and pathogenesis of zoonotic viral pathogens (e.g. arenaviruses such as Lassa virus, coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2, and influenza viruses) with the end goal to utilize this knowledge to develop novel preventative and treatment measures for communicable diseases in humans and animals.  

A few members of the Liang/Ly Lab team answered questions to explain more about their individual roles in the laboratory and the lab mission.

Click here to visit the Lab website.

What do you investigate and research?

Hannah: Our lab aims to understand the molecular mechanisms driving viral replication and pathogenesis. We apply this knowledge to identify novel antiviral therapeutic targets and develop viral vaccine vectors using the Pichinde virus platform to combat a variety of human and animal diseases. My work specifically focuses on host-pathogen interactions and the subcellular trafficking and localization of viral proteins during assembly and packaging.

Michaela: Our lab has developed a viral vector vaccine platform using Pichinde virus, a non-pathogenic arenavirus. Viral vector vaccines use a harmless virus to deliver genetic instructions for making antigens from disease-causing viruses into host cells, triggering protective immunity. I am specifically interested in the immune responses elicited by our vector including antigen-specific and anti-vector T cell responses, as well as the efficacy of our vaccine to protect against disease.

Brigitte: My research is focused on the interactions of Lassa viral proteins with host innate immune signaling and responses.  I use our viral vector, rP18tri, to study these proteins with the goal of further understanding the virulence mechanisms of Lassa virus.

How does your science help humankind/animals?

Hannah: Our work significantly contributes to humankind and animals by advancing our understanding of the Lassa virus, a severe hemorrhagic fever disease-causing virus responsible for infecting and killing thousands of people annually. We use the Pichinde virus as a model system to investigate host-pathogen interactions to better understand viral replication and pathogenesis, which is essential for developing novel antiviral therapeutics and vaccines. Utilizing our Pichinde virus vaccine platform, our work hosts promise for preventing a variety of diseases in both humans and animals.

Michaela: Our work is dedicated to advancing human health through the development of novel vaccines using a Pichinde virus vector-based platform, which elicits robust T and B cell immune responses against various pathogens, including viruses and bacteria. Currently, we are focused on developing vaccine candidates against multiple pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Lassa virus. Using our vaccine platform, we aim to reduce disease incidence and mortality, protect at-risk populations, prevent outbreaks, and enhance epidemic preparedness. Our versatile and adaptable platform allows rapid vaccine development, promoting robust and long-lasting immunity. By addressing diseases that disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries, our work supports global health equity and contributes to reducing health disparities, ultimately advancing public health and global health security.

Brigitte: My work has the potential to impact human health by contributing to future antiviral targets against Lassa virus and other arenaviral pathogens.

Are there any special accomplishments you would like to share (e.g. publications, patents, awards, collaborations?)

Brigitte: I was super excited to receive my first travel awards this year from the medical school Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies office and from the American Society for Virology!

What are your long or short-term research goals?

Hannah: My short-term goal is to focus on my PhD research in elucidating the host-pathogen interactions and subcellular trafficking of viral proteins during assembly and budding using our Pichinde virus. Crucial milestones include publishing my findings and to successfully complete and defend my dissertation. Looking ahead, I plan on securing a faculty position at a teaching-centered university where I can balance my passion for teaching with ongoing research. Alternatively, I am considering a postdoctoral position to further enhance my skills. My long-term goal is to make significant contributions to antiviral therapeutic development and improve global health outcomes, while continuing to advance my knowledge and mentoring future students. 

Michaela: My short-term goal is to focus on my PhD research evaluating our viral vector vaccine platform. I hope to generate and publish data that will help support the advancement of our vaccine platform into clinical trials. After completing my PhD, I hope to work for the Department of Defense conducting research on emerging and pandemic potential pathogens to enhance biowarfare defense. Additionally, I aim to make contributions to public health through disease prevention, particularly in under-resourced and overlooked regions.

(Pictured Top/First row: Michaela Cain; Second row: Shania Sanchez, Brigitte Flannery, Yuying Liang, Hinh Ly, Hannah Murphy; Third row: Sarah Cornelius, Qinfeng Huang, Estefany Cotto-López, & Emma Prybylski.)