Yale University · Microbiology & ImmunologyLi Fusion Lab
Wenwei Li · New Haven, Connecticut
Research Focus
Dr. Wenwei Li's lab at Yale University focuses on understanding how the HIV-1 virus fuses with host cells to initiate infection. They use advanced imaging techniques, particularly cryo-electron tomography, to visualize the interactions between the virus and cell membranes. The goal of this research is to uncover critical details about how HIV-1 proteins interact and change shape during the fusion process, which could lead to new treatments for HIV infection.
HIV-1cryo-electron tomographymembrane fusionviral interactionstherapeutic strategies
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate how HIV-1 Env clusters with CD4 receptors during fusion.
AIM 02Analyze the binding mechanism of Env to co-receptors that drive membrane fusion.
AIM 03Examine the role of various HIV-1 fusion inhibitors on Env conformational changes.
Skills the Lab Values
cryo-electron tomographymolecular dynamics simulationsvirus-like particle systemsprotein structure analysiscell culture
Output against the department
Publications512top 5% of dept.26th of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations26ktop 14% of dept.66th of 486
this lab
most citedleast cited
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