Pathogenesis and antiviral therapy of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Among
Dr. Chan's research interests is the mechanism of immunodeficiency and
asthma. His lab has derived a conditional adenosine deaminase knockout
mouse which manifests in immunodeficiency syndrome and asthma. Using
microarray and proteomic strategies,
Dr. Chan's research group is investigating the mechanism of
immunodeficiency and asthma pathogenesis. Another interest is in the
immunopathogenesis of hepatitis C. His lab has derived transgenic lines
conditionally expressing hepatitis C virus structural
or non-structural proteins, using cre-lox technology. These mouse
lines are especially suitable for Dr. Chan's investigation of the host
immune response to viral proteins, with an emphasis on the host-virus
interaction in the innate immune response.
Yet another project involves a SARS transgenic mouse model. Based on
the hypothesis that SARS coronavirus tropism is determined by the
surface receptor for the virus, the group has successfully derived
transgenic lines which support active virus replication
in mice that develop signs of respiratory insufficiency that mimic
SARS. His lab is using these mouse lines to investigate SARS
pathogenesis, and to develop effective antivirals and vaccines against
the disease.