The overarching goals of the Luftig Lab research program are to understand the molecular mechanisms that enable Epstein-Barr virus to establish latency, switch to the lytic cycle, and promote disease. We use cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary and highly collaborative approaches to characterize the temporal dynamics and single cell heterogeneity of EBV infection. With these strategies, we aim to discover fundamental molecular circuits underlying transcriptional control, viral manipulation of host signaling pathways, and metabolic regulation that collectively influence infected cell fate decisions. By understanding the nature of viral control of infected host cells, we are also well positioned to discover vulnerabilities in EBV-associated diseases and characterize new therapeutic interventions in cell-based and pre-clinical animal models.
Regulation of cellular metabolism
New EBV strains highlight spontaneous productive infection from B-cell latency
Cellular factors regulating EBV infection in epithelial cells
