Wenzhe Ho

Dr. Wenzhe Ho, MD, MPH, is a leading researcher in virology and immunology, focusing on the interplay between viral infections such as HIV and HCV and the host's innate immune system. His laboratory employs multidisciplinary approaches to study how viruses interact with human immune, hepatic, and neuronal cells, with particular emphasis on interferon-mediated antiviral mechanisms and cellular factors like miRNAs that regulate viral replication.

His research spans three major areas: (1) Innate Immunity and Viral Infections, where his team investigates how HIV and HCV evade host defenses and how interferons (including IFN-lambda) activate intracellular antiviral pathways; (2) Drugs of Abuse and HIV/HCV Infection, exploring how opioids and methamphetamine suppress immune function and accelerate disease progression in injection drug users, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Wuhan CDC; and (3) Innate Immunity and CNS Protection, studying how neurons and glial cells recognize pathogens via toll-like receptors and how interferon signaling can protect the central nervous system from viral damage, particularly from HIV and HSV-1.

The body of work from Dr. Ho’s laboratory contributes significantly to understanding the molecular basis of viral persistence and immune evasion. His studies have revealed key roles for IFN-lambda and anti-HIV miRNAs in protecting monocytes and macrophages, and current projects are probing whether drugs of abuse and viral proteins impair innate immune pathways in neurons, potentially compromising antiretroviral therapy (HAART) efficacy.

Scientific Awards:

• No specific awards mentioned in the provided text.

Advising and Grants:
While specific students or grant funding are not listed, Dr. Ho leads an active research laboratory conducting in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies. His collaborative work with institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania suggests involvement in externally funded research projects. He likely mentors graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff, though no names are provided.

Labs and Research Teams:
Dr. Ho directs a research laboratory that utilizes molecular, cellular, immunological, and virological techniques to study virus-host interactions. The lab works closely with clinical populations in Philadelphia and China and collaborates with scientists at the University of Pennsylvania and Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Research focuses on innate immune sensing (e.g., TLR pathways), interferon responses, and the impact of substance use on viral disease progression across multiple organ systems, including the liver and central nervous system.