National Chung Hsing University

Molecular Virology (HSU)

Wei-Li HSU
https://hsulab.wixsite.com/hsus-virology-lab/

Research Field

Medicine

Introduction

I am a virologist with Vet Medicine background. My research focuses on the Microbes-host interaction

Specifically, how viruses (e.g. influenza virus and orf virus) counteract innate immunity. 

Moreover, we establish diagnostic methods for emerging infectious diseases and also animal diseases (tumor and also nephritis).

My research focuses on Avian Influenza viruses (AIVs) and Orf virus (ORFV). Recent investigations in my team have uncovered the pivotal role of the viral NS1 protein in AIVs, impacting viral replication, host innate immune responses, and host adaptation. Additionally, I explore the mechanisms employed by ORFV to evade immune responses and investigate its potential application in oncolytic therapy. In addition to the work in virology, I have made significant contributions to the development of diagnostic methods for monitoring infectious diseases such as SFTSV, as well as biomarkers for animal cancers and renal diseases.


Research Topics

Research interest:

1.Microbes-host interaction: Counteracting of innate immunity by viruses (influenza virus and orf virus)

2. Oncolytic effect of orf virus

Ongoing and recently completed projects that I would like to highlight include:

1. Eco-epidemiological study on ticks and tick-borne microbes on wild Animals (funded by NSTC, 2021 March-2023 Dec)

2. Oncolytic activity of orf virus in Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (funded by NSTC, 2022 Aug-2025 July)

3. The Impact of NS1 and NS2 on Virulence and Host Adaptation of Emerging Avian Influenza Viruses (funded by NSTC, 2023 Aug-2026 July)


Honor

2020-now     Distinguished Professor (National Chung-Hsing University)

2017-2020   Distinguished Professor (National Chung-Hsing University)

2015-2017   Distinguished Professor (National Chung-Hsing University)

2011-2013   Outstanding Young Researcher Award (National Chung-Hsing University)

2010            Outstanding Young Researcher Award (National Chung-Hsing University)

1998-2001    Overseas Research Student Awards (ORS), UK

1998- 2001     Awarded Postgraduate student scholarship, University of Glasgow, UK


Educational Background

2002    University of Glasgow, UK    Ph.D.in Molecular Virology
1997    National Chung-Hsing University, Taiwan    M.Sc. in Veterinary Microbiology
1995    National Chung-Hsing University, Taiwan     D.V.M. in Veterinary Medicine


1 Vacancy

Job Description

The core techniques well established in my group include, but are not limited to, molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression and purification, cell culture and related techniques (such as transfection and infection), and immunoassays (including Western blot analysis, IFA,  ELISA, and immunoprecipitation).

Preferred Intern Education Level

MSc or PhD students are prefered.

Skill sets or Qualities

  1.  While experience in virology and biotechnology techniques is preferred, it is not a requirement.
  2.  independent, determined, and passionate about learning new things.