Our lab is focused on developing therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases based on protein structural biology. We employ a variety of advanced research techniques, including X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), and in silico studies, to explore and understand the molecular mechanisms of pathogens.
Our primary goal is to develop effective treatments for viral and bacterial infections through close collaboration with researchers at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT). Our key research interests include:
- Structure-Guided Antiviral Therapeutics Discovery: We focus on the structural analysis of key viral proteins, such as proteases and polymerases, to facilitate the design and development of new antiviral drugs. This approach allows us to identify potential drug candidates that can effectively inhibit the function of essential viral enzymes.
- Deciphering Virus-Host Protein Interactions: We investigate the intricate interactions between viral proteins and host cell proteins, which play a crucial role in the virus’s ability to infect, replicate, and evade the immune response. By understanding these molecular interactions, we aim to discover new therapeutic targets that could disrupt the virus’s life cycle and enhance host defense mechanisms.