Anice Lowen

Job Description

The Lowen Lab exploits molecular tools, classical virology, and animal models of infection to study the biology of RNA viruses, including influenza A virus, mammalian orthoreovirus and SARS-CoV-2. We are particularly interested in features of their biology that shape evolutionary dynamics and in the respiratory transmission of influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2.

Much of our prior and current work focuses on reassortment and recombination – mechanisms by which co-infecting viruses exchange genetic information. In broader terms, we are interested in interactions among co-infecting viruses and the implications of these interactions for the evolution of viral populations. We also have active programs related to influenza A virus escape from humoral immunity, within-host viral diversity, influenza A virus emergence in new host species, viral detection by cytoplasmic dsRNA sensors and factors that determine the efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.