The focus of my research is on the interaction between viruses and their hosts in molecular level. I have developed a unique reporter system to identify ER stress inducing agents and revealed a protection role of the unfolded protein response in flavivirus infection. The most recognized work of mine until now was the identification of a key molecule in response to virus infection, MITA/STING, as the host substrate of dengue viral protease. Cleavage of this protein dramatically impairs interferon pathway and benefits dengue virus replication. Currently, I am studying the biological functions of host and viral proteins involved in innate immunity, metabolism, and mitochondrial biology.

Education

• Ph.D., Life Sciences, Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center (NDMC), Taipei, Taiwan
• M.S., Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, NDMC, Taipei, Taiwan
• B.S., Medical Technology, School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan

Research

1. Investigation of the virus-host interactions in flavivirus infection
   • Endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein responses
   • Death signaling and autophagy pathways
   • Mitochondrial biology
2. Suppression/induction of interferon by dengue virus
   • Host targets of viral proteins
   • Host substrates of dengue protease
   • Viral factors triggering innate immunity
3. Regulatory factors involved in the RIG-I/MDA5 mediated interferon/death induction signaling pathway