Jia Liu

Jia Liu, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine. Her research focuses on host intrinsic immunity and poxvirus host range factors, with emphasis on understanding viral pathogenesis and developing oncolytic virotherapies. Dr. Liu completed her Ph.D. and postdoctoral training at the University of Florida College of Medicine.

Her lab investigates the molecular mechanisms by which poxviruses interact with host immune systems, particularly the role of host range factors like M062 in determining viral tropism and pathogenesis. This work leverages myxoma virus (MYXV) as a model system to explore antiviral host defenses and to engineer therapeutic vectors for cancer treatment. Key projects include enhancing MYXV's efficacy through combination therapies with immunomodulatory drugs and optimizing its use in oncolytic virotherapy for cancers like glioma and ovarian cancer.

Publications highlight her contributions to understanding viral immune evasion, host-virus interactions, and translational applications of poxviruses in oncology. Her research bridges fundamental virology with clinical translational science, aiming to advance novel antiviral and cancer treatment strategies.

Dr. Liu actively mentors students (Ph.D., M.S., and undergraduates) and collaborates on grants exploring virotherapy and immunomodulation. Her lab's work has implications for improving cancer therapies and understanding viral pathogenesis in human diseases.