Research

Digitally-colorized TEM image from CDC-PHIL
Digitally-colorized TEM image from CDC-PHIL Bryon Skinner

Overview

Viruses are important human pathogens that impose a global burden of morbidity and mortality each year. The evolutionary interplay between virus and host has resulted in a myriad of overlapping, complex and interconnected cellular pathways that are activated upon infection. The Blanco-Melo lab aims to understand the mechanisms controlling these antiviral pathways, as well as the evolutionary forces that drove their emergence.

Graphic comparing overall transcriptional landscapes of cells
PCA comparing the overall transcriptional landscapes of cells infected with SARSCoV-2 and other respiratory viruses
Binding of ancient HERVT env-pseudotyped MLV particles (green) to DF1 cells expressing human MCT1
Binding of ancient HERVT env-pseudotyped MLV particles (green) to DF1 cells expressing human MCT1.