Virology

The Virology group of MMI provides a dynamic and cutting-edge education to the next generation of researchers in virus infection, the immunologic response to viruses, and the development of vaccines. The virology faculty is comprised of a core group with primary appointments in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology that includes Alicia and Yaya Foundation Professor of Pathogen Research and Chair, Center for Pathogen Research, Dr. Matthew Frieman who is one of the world’s leading coronavirologists ; Dr. William Jackson, an internationally-renowned expert on picornavirus infections and the roles of autophagy at the interface of virus infection and host defense; and Dr. Lynda Coughlan, recently recruited from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and a leader in the national push to develop universal influenza vaccines. A second group of MMI virology faculty are part of an internationally recognized team at the IHV led by Homer & Martha Gudelsky Distinguished Professor in Medicine, Dr. Robert Gallo. These researchers focus on diverse aspects of HIV, retrovirology and other oncogenic viruses ranging from fundamental mechanisms of pathogenesis to host evasion mechanisms, development of neutralizing antibodies and epidemiology. IHV research faculty are led by Dr. Lishan Su, Director, Division of Virology, Pathogenesis and Cancer, and include seven additional MMI faculty. Students in virology conduct research at labs in the SOM or adjoining IHV. Principles of Virology (GPLS 704), the primary Virology course, is a comprehensive full-semester 3-credit course featuring not only UMSOM and IHV faculty but also nationally renowned faculty including MacArthur Fellow Nels Elde of the University of Utah, Vera Terakanova of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Julie Dyall of the NIAID; and Fabio Romerio of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. The course consists of lectures, paper discussions on current literature, and multiple active learning modules including presentations on viral immune responses and an oral presentation on a grant proposal of the students’ choosing. Several nationally renowned virology faculty speak each year on campus as part of the Microbiology and Immunology Seminar Series, and virology students join them for a lunch discussion. In the Fall semester virology speakers are incorporated into the Principles of Virology course with paper discussions and special lectures.