Emerging viruses including highly-pathogenic coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-1) and seasonal coronaviruses (HCoV-NL63, HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1).

Virus-host interaction

1. What host factors can coronaviruses use for virus entry?
2. What host factors can coronaviruses use to promote virus replication?
3. What are the mechanisms that allow SARS-CoV-2 to spread more efficiently than SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV?

Viral pathogenesis

1. How do the highly-pathogenic coronaviruses cause severe diseases in humans?
2. How do the highly-pathogenic coronaviruses cause cell/tissue damage?
3. What are the mechanisms behind the differential pathogenicity between highly-pathogenic coronaviruses and seasonal coronaviruses?
4. What are the determinants in the SARS-CoV-2 variants that dictate their differential transmissibility/pathogenicity in vivo?
5. What are the determinants for cross-species transmission?

Virus-induced cell damage

1. What are the mode of cell damage triggered by virus infection?
2. How do the activation of these pathways impact inflammation and viral pathogenicity?
3. What are the other consequences of cell damage pathway activation triggered by virus infection? 

We are seeking highly motivated individuals to join our team as post-doctoral fellows, MPhil/PhD students, or research assistants. We also encourage those with a background in bioinformatics to apply. Interested candidates should send a cover letter detailing their research interests and a CV to Dr. Hin Chu (hinchu@hku.hk).

2025

1. Shuai H, Qiao J, Yoon C, Zhang G, Hou Y, Xia X, Wang L, Deng X, Wang Y, Li Q, Du L, Liu Y, Zhou M, Wong HT, Hu J, Liu H, Hu B, Wang D, Su J, Pan Y, Ye Y, Chen Y, Fang Z, Xia Z, Chai Y, Shi J, Wang Y, Zhu T, Zhang H, Yuan S, Zhou J, Chan JF, Yuen KY, Xu C, Lei J, Yang S, Chu H. An orally available Mpro/TMPRSS2 bispecific inhibitor with potent anti-coronavirus efficacy in vivo. Nature Communications. 2025 Jul 16;16(1):6541. [IF: 15.7]
2. Luk TY, Yim LY, Zhou R, Mo Y, Huang H, Zhao M, Dai J, Lau TT, Huang X, Lui GC, Yuen KY, Chan JF, Cheng AS, Chen Z, Chu H. BRD9 functions as an HIV-1 latency regulatory factor. PNAS. 2025 May 27;122(21):e2418467122. [IF: 9.1]
3. Qiao R, Liu Y, Mao Q, Li J, Lu Y, Shi J, Li C, Yu J, Gong J, Wang X, Shao Y, Sun L, Zhang W, Yu H, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Wang P#, Zhao X#. Novel Trispecific Neutralizing Antibodies With Enhanced Potency and Breadth Against Pan-Sarbecoviruses. MedComm. 2025 Apr 21;6(5):e70191. [IF: 10.7]
4. Yu L, Wang Y, Liu Y, Xing X, Li C, Wang X, Shi J, Ma W, Li J, Chen Y, Qiao R, Zhao X, Tian S, Gao M, Wen S, Xue Y, Qiu T, Yu H, Guan Y, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Sun L#, Wang P#. Potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies against sarbecoviruses elicited by single ancestral SARS-CoV-2 infection. Communications Biology. 2025 Mar 6;8(1):378. [IF: 5.1]

2024

1. Zhao X, Chu H. Decoding broadly neutralizing antibodies: a milestone in SFTSV therapy. EBioMedicine. 2024 Dec 24;111:105527. [IF: 10.8]
2. Hu YF, Zhang BZ, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Huang JD#. Distinct evolution patterns of influenza viruses and implications for vaccine development. The Innovation. 2024 Nov 21;6(1), 100739. [IF: 25.7]
3. Liu Y, Zhao X, Shi J, Wang Y, Liu H, Hu YF, Hu B, Shuai H, Yuen TT, Chai Y, Liu F, Gong HR, Li J, Wang X, Jiang S, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Li X, Wang L, Hartnoll M, Zhu T, Hou Y, Huang X, Yoon C, Wang Y, He Y, Zhou M, Du L, Zhang X, Chan WM, Chen LL, Cai JP, Yuan S, Zhou J, Huang JD, Yuen KY, To KK, Chan JF, Zhang BZ, Sun L, Wang P, Chu H. Lineage-specific pathogenicity, immune evasion, and virological features of SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86/JN.1 and EG.5.1/HK.3. Nature Communications. 2024 Oct 9;15(1):8728. [IF: 15.7]
4. Li C, Xiao N, Song W, Lam AH, Liu F, Cui X, Ye Z, Chen Y, Ren P, Cai J, Lee AC, Chen H, Ou Z, Chan JF, Yuen KY, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Zhang AJ#. Chronic lung inflammation and CK14+ basal cell proliferation induce persistent alveolar-bronchiolization in SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters. EBioMedicine. 2024 Sep 25;108:105363. [IF: 10.8]
5. Li M, Zhao C, Shi J, Wang X, Liu Y, Zhao X, Cai G, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Wang P#. Bispecific Antibodies Provide Broad Neutralization of Emerging Beta-Coronaviruses by Targeting ACE2 and Viral Spikes. Emerging Microbes & Infections. 2024 Sep 11:2404166. [IF: 7.5]
6. Wang X, Dou Y, Hu J, Chan CH, Li R, Rong L, Gong H, Deng J, Yuen TT, Lin X, He Y, Su C, Zhang BZ, Chan JF, Yuen KY#, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Huang JD#. Conserved moonlighting protein pyruvate dehydrogenase induces robust protection against Staphylococcus aureus infection. PNAS. 2024 Sep 3;121(36):e2321939121. [IF: 9.1]
7. Wang S#, Zhang X, Lin K, Huang G, Zhao Y, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), and Chan AW. Impact of Secondary Organic Aerosol on the Respiratory Viral Infection in Vitro. Environmental Science & Technology Letters. 2024 May;11, 566–572. [IF: 8.8]
8. Yang D, Chan JF, Yoon C, Luk TY, Shuai H, Hou Y, Huang X, Hu B, Chai Y, Yuen TT, Liu Y, Zhu T, Liu H, Shi J, Wang Y, He Y, Sit KY, Au WK, Zhang AJ, Yuan S, Zhang BZ, Huang YW, Chu H. Type-II IFN inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in human lung epithelial cells and ex vivo human lung tissues through indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-mediated pathways. Journal of Medical Virology. 2024 Feb;96(2):e29472. [IF: 4.6]
9. Zhao X, Qiu T, Huang X, Mao Q, Wang Y, Qiao R, Li J, Mao T, Wang Y, Cun Y, Wang C, Luo C, Yoon C, Wang X, Li C, Cui Y, Zhao C, Li M, Chen Y, Cai G, Geng W, Hu Z, Cao J, Zhang W, Cao Z, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Sun L#, Wang P#. Potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies against sarbecoviruses induced by sequential COVID-19 vaccination. Cell Discovery. 2024 Feb 6;10(1):14. [IF: 12.5]

2023 

1. Hu B, Chan JF, Liu Y, Liu H, Chen YX, Shuai H, Hu YF, Hartnoll M, Chen L, Xia Y, Hu JC, Yuen TT, Yoon C, Hou Y, Huang X, Chai Y, Zhu T, Shi J, Wang Y, He Y, Cai JP, Zhou J, Yuan S, Zhang J, Huang JD, Yuen KY, To KK, Zhang BZ, Chu H. Divergent trajectory of replication and intrinsic pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron post-BA.2/5 subvariants in the upper and lower respiratory tract. EBioMedicine. 2023 Dec 14;99:104916. [IF: 10.8]
2. Chan CWF, Wang B, Nan L, Huang X, Mao T, Chu HY, Luo C, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Choi GCG#, Shum AHC#, Wong ASL#. High-throughput screening of genetic and cellular drivers of syncytium formation induced by the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Nature Biomedical Engineering. 2023 Nov 23. doi: 10.1038/s41551-023-01140-z. [IF: 26.6]
3. Shuai H, Chan JF, Hu B, Chai Y, Yoon C, Liu H, Liu Y, Shi J, Zhu T, Hu JC, Hu YF, Hou Y, Huang X, Yuen TT, Wang Y, Zhang J, Xia Y, Chen LL, Cai JP, Zhang AJ, Yuan S, Zhou J, Zhang BZ, Huang JD, Yuen KY, To KK, Chu H. The viral fitness and intrinsic pathogenicity of dominant SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages BA.1, BA.2, and BA.5. EBioMedicine. 2023 Aug 12;95:104753. [IF: 10.8]
4. Hu YF, Yuen TT, Gong HR, Hu B, Hu JC, Lin XS, Rong L, Zhou CL, Chen LL, Wang X, Lei C, Yau T, Hung IF, To KK, Yuen KY, Zhang BZ#, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Huang JD#. Rational design of a booster vaccine against COVID-19 based on antigenic distance. Cell Host & Microbe. 2023 Jul 23:S1931-3128(23)00299-8. [IF: 18.7]
5. Zhang BZ, Au-Yeung YM, Yuen TT, Xu X, Gong HR, Zeng Z, Li R, Hu J#, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Huang JD#. Protein-based face mask with high SARS-CoV-2 neutralization ability and breathability. Advanced Materials Technologies. 2023 July DOI: 10.1002/admt.202300590. [IF: 6.2]
6. Wang X, Yuen TT, Dou Y, Hu J, Li R, Zeng Z, Lin X, Gong H, Chan CH, Yoon C, Shuai H, Ho DT, Hung IF, Zhang BZ#, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Huang JD#. Vaccine-induced protection against SARS-CoV-2 requires IFN-γ-driven cellular immune response. Nature Communications. 2023 Jun 10;14(1):3440. [IF: 15.7]
7. Chen Y, Song W, Li C, Wang J, Liu F, Ye Z, Ren P, Tong Y, Li J, Ou Z, Lee AC, Cai JP, Wong BH, Chan JF, Yuen KY, Zhang AJ, Chu H. COVID-19 mRNA vaccine protects against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 infection in diet-induced obese mice through boosting host innate antiviral responses. EBioMedicine. 2023 Mar;89:104485. [IF: 10.8]
8. Huang C, Shuai H, Qiao J, Hou Y, Zeng R, Xia A, Xie L, Fang Z, Li Y, Yoon C, Huang Q, Hu B, You J, Quan B, Zhao X, Guo N, Zhang S, Ma R, Zhang J, Wang Y, Yang R, Zhang S, Nan J, Xu H, Wang F, Lei J#, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Yang S#. A new generation Mpro inhibitor with potent activity against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. 2023 Mar 16;8(1):128. [IF: 52.7]
9. Chan JF, Huang X, Hu B, Chai Y, Shi H, Zhu T, Yuen TT, Liu Y, Liu H, Shi J, Wen L, Shuai H, Hou Y, Yoon C, Cai JP, Zhang AJ, Zhou J, Yin F, Yuan S, Zhang BZ, Brindley MA, Shi ZL, Yuen KY, Chu H. Altered host protease determinants for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron. Science Advances. 2023 Jan 20;9(3):eadd3867. [IF: 12.5]­

2022

1. Hou Y, Li C, Yoon C, Leung OW, You S, Cui X, Chan JF, Pei D, Cheung HH, Chu H. Signal Transduct Target Ther. Enhanced replication of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 in human forebrain and midbrain organoids. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. 2022 Nov 20;7(1):381. [IF: 52.7]
2. Chan JF*, Oh YJ*, Yuan S*, Chu H* (co-first author), Yeung ML, Canena D, Chan CC, Poon VK, Chan CC, Zhang AJ, Cai JP, Ye ZW, Wen L, Yuen TT, Chik KK, Shuai H, Wang Y, Hou Y, Luo C, Chan WM, Qin Z, Sit KY, Au WK, Legendre M, Zhu R, Hain L, Seferovic H, Tampé R, To KK, Chan KH, Thomas DG, Klausberger M, Xu C, Moon JJ, Stadlmann J, Penninger JM, Oostenbrink C, Hinterdorfer P, Yuen KY, Markovitz DM. A molecularly engineered, broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus lectin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV infection in vivo. Cell Reports Medicine. 2022 Oct 18;3(10):100774. [IF: 10.6]
3. Chu Y, Wang Y, Liu A, Chen G, Li W, Wang X, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Wang L#. Dual-Functional Anti-Pathogen Coatings. Advanced Materials Interfaces. 2022 Sep 4. doi.org/10.1002/admi.202200865. [IF: 4.4]
4. Hu B, Chan JF, Liu H, Liu Y, Chai Y, Shi J, Shuai H, Hou Y, Huang X, Yuen TT, Yoon C, Zhu T, Zhang J, Li W, Zhang AJ, Zhou J, Yuan S, Zhang BZ, Yuen KY, Chu H. Spike mutations contributing to the altered entry preference of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and BA.2. Emerging Microbes & Infections. 2022 Aug 30:1-31. doi: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2117098. [IF: 7.5]
5. Chan JF, Hu B, Chai Y, Shuai H, Liu H, Shi J, Liu Y, Yoon C, Zhang J, Hu JC, Hou Y, Huang X, Yuen TT, Zhu T, Li W, Cai JP, Luo C, Yip CC, Zhang AJ, Zhou J, Yuan S, Zhang BZ, Huang JD, To KK, Yuen KY, Chu H. Virological features and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2. Cell Reports Medicine. 2022 Aug 28. doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100743. [IF: 10.6]
6. Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Hou Y, Yang D, Wen L, Shuai H, Yoon C, Shi J, Chai Y, Yuen TT, Hu B, Li C, Zhao X, Wang Y, Huang X, Lee KS, Luo C, Cai JP, Poon VK, Chan CC, Zhang AJ, Yuan S, Sit KY, Foo DC, Au WK, Wong KK, Zhou J, Kok KH, Jin DY, Chan JF#, Yuen KY#. Coronaviruses exploit a host cysteine-aspartic protease for replication. Nature. 2022 August 3. doi: 10.1038/s41586-022-05148-4. [IF: 48.5]
7. Yuen TT, Chan JF, Yan B, Shum CC, Liu Y, Shuai H, Hou Y, Huang X, Hu B, Chai Y, Yoon C, Zhu T, Liu H, Shi J, Zhang J, Cai JP, Zhang AJ, Zhou J, Yin F, Yuan S, Zhang BZ, Chu H. Targeting ACLY efficiently inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication. International Journal of Biological Sciences. 2022 Jul 11;18(12):4714-4730. [IF: 10.0]
8. Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Yuen KY#. Pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron. Clinical and Translational Medicine. 2022 May;12(5):e880. [IF: 6.8]
9. Chan JF, Chu H. Pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1.1 in hamsters. EBioMedicine. 2022 Apr 28;80:104035. [IF: 10.8]
10. Zhang BZ, Shuai H, Gong HR, Hu JC, Yan B, Yuen TT, Hu YF, Yoon C, Wang XL, Hou Y, Lin X, Huang X, Li R, Au-Yeung YM, Li W, Hu B, Chai Y, Yue M, Cai JP, Ling GS, Hung IF, Yuen KY, Chan JF, Huang JD, Chu H. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-induced trained immunity protects against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in K18-hACE2 mice. JCI Insight. 2022 Apr 21:e157393. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.157393. [IF: 6.1]
11. Quan BX, Shuai H, Xia AJ, Hou Y, Zeng R, Liu XL, Lin GF, Qiao JX, Li WP, Wang FL, Wang K, Zhou RJ, Yuen TT, Chen MX, Yoon C, Wu M, Zhang SY, Huang C, Wang YF, Yang W, Tian C, Li WM, Wei YQ, Yuen KY, Chan JF, Lei J#, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Yang S#. An orally available Mpro inhibitor is effective against wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and variants including Omicron. Nature Microbiology. 2022 Apr 27. doi: 10.1038/s41564-022-01119-7. [IF: 19.4]
12. Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Chan JF, Yuen KY#. Animal models in SARS-CoV-2 research. Nature Methods. 2022 Apr;19(4):392-394. [IF: 32.1]
13. Shuai H, Chan JF, Hu B, Chai Y, Yuen TT, Yin F, Huang X, Yoon C, Hu JC, Liu H, Shi J, Liu Y, Zhu T, Zhang J, Hou Y, Wang Y, Lu L, Cai JP, Zhang AJ, Zhou J, Yuan S, Brindley MA, Zhang BZ, Huang JD, To KK, Yuen KY, Chu H. Attenuated replication and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 Omicron. Nature. 2022 Jan 21. doi: 10.1038/s41586-022-04442-5. [IF: 48.5]
14. Zhang X*, Chu H* (co-first author), Chik KK*, Wen L, Shuai H, Yang D, Wang Y, Hou Y, Yuen TT, Cai JP, Yuan S, Yin F, Yuen KY, Chan JF. hnRNP C modulates MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 replication by governing the expression of a subset of circRNAs and cognitive mRNAs. Emerging Microbes & Infections. 2022 Dec;11(1):519-531. [IF: 7.5]
15. Chen Y, Li C, Liu F, Ye Z, Song W, Lee ACY, Shuai H, Lu L, To KK, Chan JF, Zhang AJ, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Yuen KY#. Age-associated SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection and changes in immune response in mouse model. Emerging Microbes & Infections. 2022 Jan 6;1-36. [IF: 7.5]

­2021

1. Shuai H, Chan JF, Yuen TT, Yoon C, Hu JC, Wen L, Hu B, Yang D, Wang Y, Hou Y, Huang X, Chai Y, Chan CC, Poon VK, Lu L, Zhang RQ, Chan WM, Ip JD, Chu AW, Hu YF, Cai JP, Chan KH, Zhou J, Sridhar S, Zhang BZ, Yuan S, Zhang AJ, Huang JD, To KK, Yuen KY, Chu H. Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants expand species tropism to murines. EBioMedicine. 2021 Oct 21;73:103643. [IF: 10.8]
2. Li W, Wang Y, Tang X, Yuen TT, Han X, Li J, Huang N, Chan JF, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Wang L#. Liquid Repellency Enabled Anti-Pathogen Coatings. Materials Today Bio. 2021 Oct 7;100145. [IF: 10.2]
3. Deng J*, Zhang BZ*, Chu H* (co-first author), Wang XL, Wang Y, Gong HR, Li R, Yang D, Li C, Dou Y, Gao P, Cai JP, Jin M, Du Q, Chan JF, Kao RY, Yuen KY, Huang JD. Adenosine synthase A contributes to recurrent Staphylococcus aureus infection by dampening protective immunity. EBioMedicine. 2021 Jul 28;70:103505. [IF: 10.8]
4. Xie D*, Chu H* (co-first author), Yang D*, Ding Q, Huang G, Chen L, Cai Z, Huang J, Zhao Z. A stark difference in the profiles of defective viral transcripts between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV. Journal of Infection. 2021 Jun 30:S0163-4453(21)00315-7. [IF: 11.9]
5. Chu H, Shuai H, Hou Y, Zhang X, Wen L, Huang X, Hu B, Yang D, Wang Y, Yoon C, Wong BH, Li C, Zhao X, Poon VK, Cai JP, Wong KK, Yeung ML, Zhou J, Au-Yeung RK, Yuan S, Jin DY, Kok KH, Perlman S, Chan JF, Yuen KY. Targeting highly pathogenic coronavirus-induced apoptosis reduces viral pathogenesis and disease severity. Science Advances. 2021 June 16;7(25):eabf8577. [IF: 12.5]
6. Chu H, Chan JF. A lethal mouse model using a mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 strain with enhanced binding to mouse ACE2 as an important platform for COVID-19 research. EBioMedicine. 2021 May 25;68:103406. [IF: 8]
7. Zhu P, Wang Y, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Wang L#. Superhydrophobicity preventing surface contamination as a novel strategy against COVID-19. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 2021 May 11;600:613-619. [IF: 9.7]
8. Yang D*, Chu H* (co-first author), Lu G*, Shuai H, Wang Y, Hou Y, Zhang X, Huang X, Hu B, Chai Y, Yuen TT, Zhao X, Lee AC, Ye Z, Li C, Chik KK, Zhang AJ, Zhou J, Yuan S, Chan JF. STAT2-dependent restriction of Zika virus by human macrophages but not dendritic cells. Emerging Microbes & Infections. 2021 May 12:1-42. [IF: 7.5]
9. Huang L, Yuen TT, Ye Z, Liu S, Zhang G, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Yue J#. Berbamine inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection by compromising TRPMLs-mediated endolysosomal trafficking of ACE2. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. 2021. Apr 24;6:168. [IF: 52.7]
10. Chu H, Hu B, Huang X, Chai Y, Zhou D, Wang Y, Shuai H, Yang D, Hou Y, Zhang X, Yuen TT, Cai JP, Zhang AJ, Zhou J, Yuan S, To KK, Chan IH, Sit KY, Foo DC, Wong IY, Ng AT, Cheung TT, Law S, Au WK, Brindley MA, Chen Z, Kok KH, Chan JF, Yuen KY. Host and viral determinants for efficient SARS-CoV-2 infection of the human lung. Nature Communications. 2021 Jan 8;12(1):134. [IF: 15.7] 

2020

1. Chu H, Chan JF, Wang Y, Yuen TT, Chai Y, Shuai H, Yang D, Hu B, Huang X, Zhang X, Hou Y, Cai JP, Zhang AJ, Zhou J, Yuan S, To KK, Hung IF, Cheung TT, Ng AT, Chan IH, Wong IY, Law SY, Foo DC, Leung WK, Yuen KY. SARS-CoV-2 induces a more robust innate immune response and replicates less efficiently than SARS-CoV in the human intestines: an ex vivo study with implications on pathogenesis of COVID-19. Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2020 Oct 1;S2352-345X(20)30160-0. [IF: 7.4]
2. Zhang BZ*, Chu H*# (co-first, co-corresponding author), Han S*, Shuai H*, Deng J, Hu YF, Gong HR, Lee AC, Zou Z, Yau T, Wu W, Hung IF, Chan JF, Yuen KY#, Huang JD#. SARS-CoV-2 infects human neural progenitor cells and brain organoids. Cell Research. 2020 Aug 4:1-4. [IF: 25.9]
3. Shuai H*, Chu H* (co-first author), Hou Y*, Yang D, Wang Y, Hu B, Huang X, Zhang X, Chai Y, Cai JP, Chan JF, Yuen KY. Differential immune activati­on profile of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV infection in human lung and intestinal cells: implications for treatment with IFN-β and IFN inducer. Journal of Infection. 2020 Jul 21:S0163-4453(20)30490-4. [IF: 11.9]
4. Zhang AJ*, Lee AC*, Chu H* (co-first author), Chan JF, Fan Z, Li C, Liu F, Chen Y, Yuan S, Poon VK, Chan CC, Cai JP, Wu KL, Sridhar S, Chan YS, Yuen KY. SARS-CoV-2 infects and damages the mature and immature olfactory sensory neurons of hamsters. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2020 Jul 15:ciaa995. [IF: 7.3]
5. Yang D*, Chu H* (co-first author), Hou Y, Chai Y, Shuai H, Lee AC, Zhang X, Wang Y, Hu B, Huang X, Yuen TT, Cai JP, Zhou J, Yuan S, Zhang AJ, Chan JF, Yuen KY. Attenuated interferon and pro-inflammatory response in SARS-CoV-2-infected human dendritic cells is associated with viral antagonism of STAT1 phosphorylation. Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2020 Jun 21:jiaa356. [IF: 4.5]
6. Chu H, Yuen TT, Chik KK, Yuan S, Shuai H, Zou Z, Wang Y, Zhu Z, Yang D, Poon VK, Chan CC, Zhou J, Yin F, Kok KH, Yuen KY, Chan JF. Targeting the inositol-requiring enzyme-1 pathway efficiently reverts Zika virus-induced neurogenesis and spermatogenesis marker perturbations. ACS Infectious Diseases. 2020 May 21. doi: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00526. [IF: 3.8]
7. Chu H, Chan JF, Yuen TT, Shuai H, Yuan S, Wang Y, Hu B, Yip CC, Tsang JO, Huang X, Chai Y, Yang D, Hou Y, Chik KK, Zhang X, Fung AY, Tsoi HW, Cai JP, Chan WM, Ip JD, Chu AW, Zhou J, Lung DC, Kok KH, To KK, Tsang OT, Chan KH, Yuen KY. Comparative tropism, replication kinetics, and cell damage profiling of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV with implications for clinical manifestations, transmissibility, and laboratory studies of COVID-19: an observational study. Lancet Microbe. 2020 April 21. doi: 10.1016/S2666-5247(20)30004-5. [IF: 20.4]
8. Chu H, Chan JF, Wang Y, Yuen TT, Chai Y, Hou Y, Shuai H, Yang D, Hu B, Huang X, Zhang X, Cai JP, Zhou J, Yuan S, Kok KH, To KK, Chan IH, Zhang AJ, Sit KY, Au WK, Yuen KY. Comparative replication and immune activation profiles of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV in human lungs: an ex vivo study with implications for the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2020 Apr 9. pii: ciaa410. [IF: 7.3]
9. Zhang X*, Chu H* (co-first author), Wen L, Shuai H, Yang D, Wang Y, Hou Y, Zhu Z, Yuan S, Yin F, Chan JF, Yuen KY. Competing endogenous RNA network profiling reveals novel host dependency factors required for MERS-CoV propagation. Emerging Microbes & Infections. 2020 Dec;9(1):733-746. [IF: 7.5]
10. Chan JF*, Kok KH*, Zhu Z*, Chu H* (co-first author), To KK, Yuan S, Yuen KY. Genomic characterization of the 2019 novel human-pathogenic coronavirus isolated from a patient with atypical pneumonia after visiting Wuhan. Emerging Microbes & Infections. 2020 Jan 28;9(1):221-236. [IF: 7.5]
11. Chan JF*, Yuan S*, Kok KH*, To KK*, Chu H* (co-first author), Yang J, Xing F, Liu J, Yip CC, Poon RW, Tsoi HW, Lo SK, Chan KH, Poon VK, Chan WM, Ip JD, Cai JP, Cheng VC, Chen H, Hui CK, Yuen KY. A familial cluster of pneumonia associated with the 2019 novel coronavirus indicating person-to-person transmission: a study of a family cluster. The Lancet. 2020 Feb 15;395(10223):514-523. [IF: 88.5]

2019

1. Yan B*, Zou Z*, Chu H* (co-first author), Chan G, Tsang JO, Lai PM, Yuan S, Yip CC, Yin F, Kao RY, Sze KH, Lau SK, Chan JF, Yuen KY. Lipidomic profiling reveals significant perturbations of intracellular lipid homeostasis in enterovirus-infected cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019 Nov 26;20(23). pii: E5952. [IF: 4.9]
2. Zhao X*, Chu H* (co-first author), Wong BH*, Chiu MC, Wang D, Li C, Liu X, Yang D, Poon VK, Cai J, Chan JF, To KK, Zhou J, Yuen KY. Activation of C-type lectin receptor and (RIG)-I-like receptors contributes to proinflammatory response in MERS coronavirus infected macrophages. Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2019 Sep 28. pii: jiz483. [IF: 4.5]
3. Lee ACY*, Zhang AJX*, Chu H* (co-first author), Li C, Zhu H, Mak WWN, Chen Y, Kok KH, To KKW, Yuen KY. H7N9 influenza A virus activation of necroptosis in human monocytes links innate and adaptive immune responses. Cell Death & Disease. 2019 Jun 5;10(6):442. [IF: 9.6]
4. Zhu Z*, Chu H* (co-first author), Wen L, Yuan S, Chik KK, Yuen TT, Yip CC, Wang D, Zhou J, Yin F, Jin DY, Kok, KH, Yuen KY, Chan JF. SUMO modification of the non-structural protein 5 of Zika virus via binding with a conserved N-terminal SUMO-interacting motif supports virus replication and suppresses type I interferon signaling. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019 Jan 17;20(2). [IF: 4.9]
5. Yan B*, Chu H* (co-first author), Yang D*, Sze KH*, Lai PM, Yuan S, Shuai H, Wang Y, Kao RY, Chan JF, Yuen KY. Characterization of the lipidomic profile of human coronavirus-infected cells: implications on lipid metabolism remodeling upon coronavirus replication. Viruses. 2019 Jan 16;11(1). [IF: 3.5]
6. Yuan S*, Chu H* (co-first author), Chan JF*, Ye ZW, Wen L, Yan B, Lai PM, Huang J, Tee KM, Chen D, Li C, Zhao X, Yang D, Chiu MC, Yip CC, Poon VK, Chan CC, Sze KH, Zhou J, Chan IH, To KK, Kao RY, Lau JY, Perlman S, Yuen KY. Targeting the SREBP-dependent lipidomic reprogramming by virus infection for broad-spectrum therapeutic intervention. Nature Communications. 2019 Jan 10;10(1):120. [IF: 15.7]

2018

1. Zhang K, Li C, Luo Y, Wen L, Wang D, Wong BH, Zhao X, Chiu MC, Yuan S, Ye Z, Zhao H, Zhang XM, He J, Bose M, Henrickson KJ, Huang JD, Zheng B, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Zhou J#. Establishment and characterization of a lethal aged mouse model of human respiratory syncytial. Antiviral Research. 2018 Nov 29;161:125-133. [IF: 4.0]
2. Chan JF*, Zhu Z*, Chu H* (co-first author), Yuan S, Chik KK, Chan CC, Poon VK, Yip CC, Zhang X, Tsang JO, Zou Z, Tee KM, Shuai H, Lu G, Yuen KY. The celecoxib derivative kinase inhibitor AR-12 (OSU-03012) inhibits Zika virus via down-regulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and protects Zika virus-infected A129 mice: a host targeting treatment strategy. Antiviral Research. 2018 Dec;160:38-47. [IF: 4.0]
3. Chu H, Chan CM, X Zhang, Wang Y, Yuan S, Zhou J, Au-Yueng RK, Sze KH, Yang D, Shuai H, Hou Y, Li C, Zhao X, Poon VK, Leung SP, Yeung ML, Yan J, Lu G, Jin DY, Gao GF, Chan JF, Yuen KY. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and bat coronavirus HKU9 both can utilize GRP78 for attachment onto host cells. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2018 Jul 27;293(30):11709-11726. [IF: 3.9]

2017

1. Ye ZW, Yuan S, Poon KM, Wen L, Yang D, Sun Z, Li C, Hu M, Shuai H, Zhou J, Zhang MY, Zheng BJ, Chu H# (co-corresponding author) and Yuen KY#. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity epitopes on the hemagglutinin head-region of pandemic H1N1 influenza virus play detrimental roles in H1N1-infected mice. Frontiers in Immunology. 2017 Mar 21;8:317. [IF: 5.9]
2. Hu M, Yuan S, Ye ZW, Singh K, Li C, Shuai H, Fai N, Chow BK, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Zheng BJ#. PAN substitutions A37S, A37S/I61T and A37S/V63I attenuate the replication of H7N7 influenza A virus by impairing the polymerase and endonuclease activities. Journal of General Virology. 2017 Mar;98(3):364-373. [IF: 4.3]

2016

1. Hu M, Yuan S, Zhang K, Singh K, Ma Q, Zhou J, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Zheng BJ#. PB2 substitutions V598T/I increase the virulence of H7N9 influenza A virus in mammals. Virology. 2016 Nov 24;501:92-101. [IF: 2.4]
2. Chan CM*, Chu H* (co-first author), Wang Y, Wong BH, Zhao X, Zhou J, Yang D, Leung SP, Chan JF, Yeung ML, Yan J, Lu G, Gao GF, Yuen KY. Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) is an important surface attachment factor facilitating the entry of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Journal of Virology. 2016 Sep 29;90(20):9114-27. [IF: 3.8]
3. Chu H, Zhou J, Wong BH, Li C, Chan JF, Cheng ZS, Yang D, Wang D, Lee AC, Li C, Yeung ML, Cai J, Chan IH, Ho WK, To KK, Zheng BJ, Yao Y, Qin C, Yuen KY. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus efficiently infects human primary T lymphocytes and activates both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways. Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2016 Mar 15;213(6):904-14. [IF: 4.5] 

2014

1. Chu H, Zhou J, Wong BH, Li C, Cheng ZS, Lin X, Poon VK, Sun T, Lau CC, Chan JF, To KK, Chan KH, Lu L, Zheng BJ, Yuen KY. Productive replication of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in monocyte-derived dendritic cells modulates innate immune response. Virology. 2014 Apr;454-455:197-205. [IF: 2.4]
2. Zhou J*, Chu H* (co-first author), Li C, Wong BH, Cheng ZS, Poon VK, Sun T, Lau CC, Wong KK, Chan JY, Chan JF, To KK, Chan KH, Zheng BJ, Yuen KY. Active replication of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and aberrant induction of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in human macrophages: implications for pathogenesis. Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2014 May;209(9):1331-42. [IF: 4.5]

2012

1. Chu H, Wang JJ, Qi M, Yoon JJ, Chen X, Wen X, Hammonds J, Ding L, Spearman P. Tetherin/BST-2 is essential for the formation of the intracellular virus-containing compartment in HIV-infected macrophages. Cell Host & Microbe. 2012 Sep 13;12(3):360-72. [IF: 18.7]
2. Chu H, Wang JJ, Qi M, Yoon JJ, Wen X, Chen X, Ding L, Spearman P. The intracellular virus-containing compartments in primary human macrophages are largely inaccessible to antibodies and small molecules. PLoS One. 2012;7(5):e35297. [IF: 2.6]

2009

1. Chu H, Wang JJ, Spearman P. Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 gag and host vesicular trafficking pathways. Current Topics in Microbiology & Immunology. 2009;339:67-84. Review. [IF: 4.7]

2024: Clarivate Analytics’ Essential Science Indicators (ESI) Highly Cited Researcher (“Microbiology”)

2024: HKU Materials Innovation Institute for Life Sciences and Energy (MILES) fellow 

2024: HKU Faculty of Medicine Outstanding Research Output Award

2024: World’s Top 2% most-cited scientists by Stanford University

• https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/7

2024 : 49^th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions Silver medal

2023: HKU Outstanding Young Researcher Award

• http://www.rss.hku.hk/honours-awards/internal-awards/oyra-winners

2023: HKU Research Output Prize (for the best research output in HKU LKS Faculty of Medicine in 2022 as the last corresponding author)

• http://www.rss.hku.hk/honours-awards/internal-awards/rop-winners

2023 : Clarivate Analytics’ Essential Science Indicators (ESI) Highly Cited Researcher

• One of 238 scholars named in two fields in 2023 globally (“Microbiology” and “Immunology”)
• https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_26836.html

2023: Clarivate Analytics Essential Science Indicators (ESI) top 1% cited scholar

• https://hub.hku.hk/local/top1pc/top1pc.jsp?year=2023

2022: HKU Research Output Prize (for the best research output in HKU LKS Faculty of Medicine in 2021 as co-author)

http://www.rss.hku.hk/honours-awards/internal-awards/rop-winners/2021-22

2022: Clarivate Analytics Essential Science Indicators (ESI) Highly Cited Researcher

• One of 38 scholars at HKU in 2022
• https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_25372.html

2022: Clarivate Analytics Essential Science Indicators (ESI) top 1% cited scholar

• https://hub.hku.hk/local/top1pc/top1pc.jsp?year=2022

2022: World’s Top 2% most-cited scientists by Stanford University/Elsevier

• https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/6

2021: National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Hong Kong and Macau) 国家自然科学基金优秀青年科学基金（港澳）

• The only scholar at HKU LKS Faculty of Medicine in 2021
• https://www.hku.hk/press/c_news_detail_23146.html

2021: HKU Research Output Prize (for the best research output in HKU LKS Faculty of Medicine in 2020 as co-first author)

• http://www.rss.hku.hk/honours-awards/internal-awards/rop-winners/2020-21

2021: Clarivate Analytics Essential Science Indicators (ESI) Highly Cited Researcher

• One of 31 scholars at HKU in 2021
• https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_23587.html

2021: Clarivate Analytics Essential Science Indicators (ESI) top 1% cited scholar

• https://hub.hku.hk/local/top1pc/top1pc.jsp?year=2021

2021: World’s Top 2% most-cited scientists by Stanford University/Elsevier

• https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/5

2021: Emerging Microbes & Infections 2020 Best Paper Award (1st Place) (as co-first author)

• https://think.taylorandfrancis.com/journal-prize-emerging-microbes-infections/