Alex Compton, PhD
Investigator
HIV Dynamics and Replication Program
My lab studies cell-intrinsic immunity, the component of innate immunity that defends individual cells from infection by viruses. In addition, we study how diverse viruses evade or antagonize intracellular defenses in order to spread and persist in human populations. Disease states such as cancer and commonly used medications such as immunosuppressants are associated with increased susceptibility to virus infections, and we are interested in how these states impact the cell’s first line of antiviral defense.
Suggested Penn mentors: Sara Cherry, Kellie Jurado, Sunny Shin