The Mothes Laboratory
Welcome to the Mothes Lab, where we study HIV-1, SARS-CoV-2 and emerging viruses.
We study the spread, pathogenesis, and immune responses against viral infections across multiple spatial and temporal scales. To elucidate mechanisms of virus spread and pathogenesis in their most natural environments, we use noninvasive whole-body imaging as a guide for in-depth characterization of key tissues and physiologically relevant cell types. To understand molecular events during virus entry into cells, we apply single molecule imaging of HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 viral spike proteins. Parallel cryo-electron tomography (cryoET) and single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) allow insights into the structure and dynamics of these molecular machines. A detailed understanding of these processes can inform the rational design of immunogens for vaccines, development of small molecule inhibitors that target viral spike proteins to prevent the infection of new cells, and inform strategies towards a functional cure for people living on long-term antiviral therapy.