About

Li’s current research focuses on host factors of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. Usually well controlled by sanitation and vaccines, HAV has re-emerged as a public health threat in recent years with widespread outbreaks. His work suggests HAV replication is dependent on the cellular TRAMP-like complex ZCCHC14-TENT4. Small molecule inhibitors of TENT4 dramtically suppress HAV replication in vitro and in mouse models of hepatits A. Li is investigating the mechanisms underlying the essential role of TENT4 proteins in HAV life cycle and the potential application of TENT4 inhibitors as therapeutics for treatment of severe hepatitis A infection.