Current Research

The Emerman lab studies host-cell interactions of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and related viruses.  We wish to understand the molecular and evolutionary basis of virus replication and pathogenesis.

Small viruses require host cell proteins to complete nearly every step of the viral lifecycle. Thus, characterizing host cell proteins that are usurped to serve specific functions for viral replication identifies novel targets for drug therapy. 

Humans and other primates encode families of proteins that have evolved to inhibit genome invaders such as retroviruses.  We study the function and evolution of these host antiviral genes in order to understand what determines resistance or susceptibility to current, past, and potential pathogens. 

Particular projects include:

• HIV infection of non-dividing cells. Read more »
  
  
• Intrinsic host defenses against HIV and other retroviruses. Read more »
  
  
• HIV fitness and growth kinetics. Read more »