Jana Liese

MSTP in PhD Training

Program: Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis

Current advisor: Sean P. J. Whelan, PhD

Undergraduate university: University of South Carolina, 2020

Enrollment year: 2021

Research summary
Mechanisms of viral entry

Orthobunyaviruses (OBVs) are segmented, negative sense RNA viruses that can cause fatal disease in both humans and livestock species. OBVs utilize two surface glycoproteins for cellular attachment and membrane fusion. In addition to their essential role in viral entry, OBV glycoproteins are also targets for vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapeutics. My work focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which various host factors engage OBV glycoproteins to facilitate viral entry.

Graduate publications