Andrew Mehle, PhD

Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology

Humans are under continual assault by seasonal influenza virus outbreaks as well as sporadic pandemics. Like all viruses, influenza virus is completely dependent upon the host cell for replication. Influenza virus exploits and subverts host processes while at the same time evading cellular antiviral responses. The balance between these pro- and antiviral forces influences the outcome of a viral infection, the pathogenicity of disease, and even the potential to establish a pandemic outbreak. The Mehle Lab works to understand the host factors engaged during replication, the molecular mechanisms by which these interactions impact replication, and how this new-found knowledge can be exploited to predict, prevent or treat disease. Their studies on phospho-regulation and ADP-ribosylation of the viral polymerase have been driven by two current VTG predoc trainees, Anthony Dawson and Gloria Larson, respectively, resulting not only in publications (Mondal, Dawson et al., Elife 2017, PMID: 28758638; Mondal, Potts, Dawson et al., PLoS Pathog. 2015, PMID: 25867750; Dawson et al, PLoS Pearl, in press), but also in multiple talks they gave at national and international meetings. Another major focus of the Mehle group is using cutting-edge sequencing approaches to dissect viral evolution during replication within a host and transmission between hosts, part of a successful collaboration with Dr. Friedrich’s group, which resulted in a joint R01. Dr. Mehle also collaborates with Dr. Bernard. Dr. Mehle is supported by 2 NIAID R01s (PI on both) and a grant from the Burroughs Welcome Fund.