Presenter: Toni Adernwale, Biochemistry Major, Global Public Health Scholars
I worked as an undergraduate researcher at the UMD Vet Med Molecular Virology Lab. My research involved further characterizing the hepatitis E virus host-viral protein interaction. I studied the interactions between the host cellular protein DDX3X and the viral capsid protein encoded by the open reading frame 2 (ORF2). HEV is a largely understudied virus but is relevant in developing nations due to its fecal-oral contraction via contaminated water sources. It is also a public health concern as it also exhibits a higher mortality risk for immunocompromised patients such as pregnant women. It’s also a rising concern in developed nations due to its contraction via undercooked meat. Understanding the viral utilization of DDX3X can lead to the development of novel antiviral therapies for HEV and other diseases of concern. This internship helped me realize the prospects of using an innate immune response to combat viral infection.