Bryan Johnson

Email: bryjohns@utmb.edu
Degree(s):
PhD Microbiology & Immunology
BS Biology
Research Focus: Coronaviruses - Antivirals, Type I Interferon Response, Spike Protein 
Mentor: Vineet Menachery 

Research Statement: Broadly, I am focused on investigating the molecular determinates of coronavirus (CoV) infection. Within this framework, I am focused on three topics. First, I am investigating the role of the CoV spike proteins in viral entry by comparing the function of SARS-CoV-2 spike to those of SARS-CoV-1 and closely related bat-CoVs. Similarly, I study differences in the differences between the Type I IFN responses induced by SARS-CoV-1 when compared to SARS-CoV-2. Finally, I am investigating bacterial derived cyclic lipopeptides as antiviral compounds.