RESEARCH INTERESTS

Dr. Wen-Zhe Ho is a viral immunologist who investigates how intracellular innate immune responses influence HIV infection and pathogenesis, particularly in the context of substance abuse. His research integrates virology, immunology, and neurobiology to define mechanisms of antiviral defense and HIV persistence in the central nervous system. He has published more than 210 peer-reviewed papers, including 183 as first or senior author, with more than 12,000 citations and an h-index of 61 (Google Scholar, August 27, 2026). He has mentored more than 100 postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars, students, and research staff.

• Intracellular Antiviral Immunity

  Defining how cells detect viral infection and initiate innate immune responses, with particular emphasis on pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), especially Toll-like receptors.

• HIV, Substance Abuse, and Neuroimmune Pathogenesis

  Investigating how opioids and methamphetamine influence HIV infection, immune responses, and disease progression in the central nervous system.

• HIV Latency and Reactivation

  Elucidating the cellular mechanisms that establish, maintain, and reverse HIV latency.

• Human Cellular and Brain Models

  Developing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia and three-dimensional brain organoid (“mini-brain”) models to investigate HIV infection, neuroimmune interactions, and neurological disorders.

MEMBERSHIPS

• Society on Neuroimmune Pharmacology
• International Society for Neurovirology
• American Society for Virology
• American Association of Immunologists