Projects
Influenza Virus
Avian Influenza viruses (AIVs) cause severe diseases in poultry worldwide. We aimed to investigate the impact of the viral NS1 protein on viral infection dynamics. By exchange of the NS segment, the replication of reassortant AIVs was significantly affected and that reflected the modulatory effect of NS1 on host anti-viral responses and viral RdRp activity. These results indicate that NS1 is a critical factor responsible for the diverse traits of AIVs in Taiwan. Very recently, we identified NS1 transcript of HPAIV (subtype H5N2) encoded additional protein, designated NS3 that is a truncated NS1 variant, produced by alternative splicing of the NS transcript. The NS3 protein appears be functionally non-redundant with the NS1 protein. Despite its internal deletion, NS3 enhances viral replication and pathogenicity of influenza virus in both cell and animal models. Moreover, it effectively suppresses PKR activity and confers a growth advantage to influenza virus in mammalian cells. The comprehensive mechanism is under investigation.
Orf virus
Goat Orf virus (ORFV), a parapoxvirus, causes endemic disease in goats. Since 2007, we initiated the ORFV studies, not only in molecular epidemiology but also in the pathogenesis aspect. In particular, we revealed the function and mechanism of OV20.0 protein on counteracting innate immune response and suppresses sing RNA interference machinery. Extending from the understanding of its distinct immune regulatory effect, we are currently exploring the oncolytic activity of ORFV in several cancer models.
Identification of biomarkers for animal disease and development of diagnostic systems for emerging infectious diseases
Use of advanced imaging examinations and state-of-art molecular laboratory techniques all aid us in identifying novel biomarkers for tumors and nephritis that has helped the development of better diagnoses and specific therapies for companion animals. Moreover, our team discovered an emerging viral disease (i.e. SFTSV) in 2019, and several serological based methods, including lateral flow device and ELISA are currently developing.
