Emerging viral diseases such as COVID-19 and vector-borne neurological diseases have caused enormous and unprecedented health and financial burdens. We are desperately in need of broadly acting antivirals that can target the next emerging virus. A key to antiviral development is understanding the host pathways central to the success or suppression of viral replication.

Here in Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics (MIMG) at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the Li laboratory studies vector-borne RNA virus interactions with the host, specifically in the alphavirus and flavivirus systems. The overarching theme is to identify viral and host determinants critical for viral replication and pathogenesis, with the hope that our research will uncover novel antiviral mechanisms that can be harnessed for the development of vaccine and drug candidates.

More information about our current projects can be found on our Research page.