The Simon Lab studies virus-host interactions using viruses including SARS-CoV-2, HIV, SIV, HTLV and human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs).
Summary of Dr. Simon’s Research Studies:
Research in the Simon lab focuses on understanding viral-host interactions in the context of human and viral diversity. We are interested in the mode of action of known (APOBEC3 cytidine deaminases, SAMHD1) and novel retroviral restriction factors as well as the corresponding HIV, SIV and HTLV antagonists. In addition, we study the mechanisms driving viral drug resistance as well as viral diversification, the roles of RNA modifications in viral replication and HIV persistence in CD4+ T memory stem cells.
Ongoing Projects and Areas of interest of the Simon lab:
SARS-CoV-2, seasonal coronaviruses, HIV, latency, restriction factors, viral evolution & diversification, antibodies, endogenous retroviruses and more
Our Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic:
Defining immune responses mounted upon SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination.
When NYC became one of the early epicenters of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the US in March 2020, the existing Personalized Virology Initiative’s infrastructure allowed us to be at the forefront of SARS-CoV-2 research. Longitudinal observational cohorts started in early 2020, such as the PARIS study, provide valuable information on the long-term consequences of COVID-19 especially in the face of the emergence of viral variants of concern and rapid COVID-19 vaccine rollouts.
National and international viral surveillance (SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses) and phenotyping of viral variants of concern (SARS-CoV-2).
The Mount Sinai Pathogen Surveillance Program sequences different respiratory viruses that cause disease in patients seeking care at the Mount Sinai Health System urgent care centers and hospitals. We have tracked nosocomial viral outbreaks as well as perform longitudinal unbiased Influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in NYC in collaboration with the Harm van Bakel laboratory and the MSH Clinical Microbiology laboratories.
Read all about our work with infectious biospecimen, analysis of antibody responses and more!
Watch Here to Learn More:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrZIpjUcjko
