Morgan Hakki, MD

Acting Instructor

Medicine, University of Washington

Associate in Clinical Research

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

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Dr. Hakki's research efforts, in conjunction with Dr. Adam Geballe, are directed towards understanding how cytomegalovirus (CMV) counteracts innate immune mechanisms regulated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Over the past few years, dsRNA has become recognized as a key mediator of innate immunity during viral infection, acting via several pathways. Stimulation of the protein kinase R (PKR), toll-like receptor 3, and siRNA pathways by dsRNA all contribute to the host's ability to control viral infection. Many viruses, including CMV, have evolved ways to inhibit the activation of these pathways. Identifying the gene(s) in CMV, their mechanism of action, their interaction with these pathways, and ultimately their role in CMV pathogenesis are all projects currently under study.