University of Iowa · Microbiology & ImmunologyHIV Research and Immunity Unit
Li Wu · Iowa City, Iowa
Research Focus
Dr. Li Wu's lab at the University of Iowa focuses on developing new strategies for treating HIV/AIDS by studying how the virus interacts with human immune cells. The main research involves exploring the role of specific RNA modifications in HIV-1, understanding the mechanisms that help the virus persist despite treatment, and investigating how host proteins can influence the immune response to HIV. Their work aims to uncover fundamental insights that could lead to more effective therapies for HIV infection.
HIV-1latently infected T cellsRNA modificationsinnate immunitytherapeutic developmentm6A modificationsSAMHD1viral latencymacrophages
Research Aims
5AIM 01To determine m6A profile of HIV-1 RNA in subsets of CD4+ T cells from ART-treated patients.
AIM 02To identify cellular targets in the m6A pathway important for HIV-1 reactivation in primary CD4+ T cells.
AIM 03To examine anti-HIV-1 effects of small molecules inhibiting m6A modifications in primary CD4+ T cells.
AIM 04To define how SAMHD1 and IRF7 interaction inhibits IFN-I induction during HIV-1 infection.
AIM 05To investigate the mechanisms by which SAMHD1 inhibits NF-kB activation during HIV-1 infection.
Skills the Lab Values
cell cultureRNA sequencingmolecular cloningin vitro assaysflow cytometryCRISPR techniquesprotein interaction studiesgene expression analysismacrophage primary cell cultures
Output against the department
Publications263top 21% of dept.102nd of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations15ktop 26% of dept.125th of 486
this lab
most citedleast cited
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