Crossing the species-specific barriers is a common feature of the highly pathogenetic and frequently pandemic human viruses. Understanding the mechanism of antivirus barrier function and the consequences of these barriers’ alteration may highlight genetic risks that drive emerging and current viral infections. The Tarakhovsky lab is working to identify genes that contribute to the species-specific barrier function. This work will support preparedness for emerging virus diseases and identification of novel virus-host interaction mechanisms.
Encounters with pathogens can alter the function of immune-cell genes in a number of ways including alterations to chromatin, the complex formed by DNA and its packaging proteins. The resulting changes in gene expression can produce persistent traits. The Tarakhovsky lab studies the mechanisms by which pathogens affect chromatin function, and their effect on long-lasting immune and non-immune cell responses to the environment.
