Hepatitis B virus · 2024
HBeAg and macrophage metabolism
HBVTLR4Macrophages
Research
- Question
- How does HBeAg alter macrophage metabolism and programmed cell death?
- Approach
- The study compared metabolic activity in macrophage models using Seahorse analysis, gene and protein measurements, metabolomics, pathway perturbation, and cell-death assays.
- Key findings
- HBeAg signaled through TLR4 and the DR5–DAP3 axis, increasing mitochondrial gene expression and glutaminolysis. This produced an atypical M1-like state with higher oxidative phosphorylation and lower glycolysis. HBeAg also produced different apoptotic and pyroptotic responses across macrophage phenotypes.
- Significance
- The work identifies the potential receptor by which HBeAg can induce atypical macrophage metabolism and may help explain viral persistence.
Publications
Current work in hepatitis B immunology, with earlier publications in Zika virus and human papillomavirus.
2024
Primary HBV publication · PLOS Pathogens · 20(3): e1012079
Hepatitis B virus e antigen induces atypical metabolism and differentially regulates programmed cell deaths of macrophages
Yumei Li*; Christine Wu*; Jiyoung Lee; Qiqi Ning; Juhyeon Lim; Hyungjin Eoh; Sean Wang; Benjamin P. Hurrell; Omid Akbari; Jing-hsiung James Ou
* Equal contribution Read publication2021
Nature Microbiology
Zika virus NS3 protease induces bone morphogenetic protein-dependent brain calcification in human fetuses
Weiqiang Chen; Suan-Sin Foo; Eunjin Hong; Christine Wu; et al.; Jae U. Jung
Read publication2019
mBio · 10(4): e01834-19
Efficient inhibition of human papillomavirus infection by L2 minor capsid-derived lipopeptide
Huan Yan; Suan-Sin Foo; Weiqiang Chen; Ji Seung Yoo; Woo-Jin Shin; Christine Wu; Jae U. Jung
Read publicationPoster presentation
Mechanism of metabolic reprogramming of macrophages by hepatitis B virus e antigen
Christine Wu, Yumei Li, and Jing-hsiung James Ou · International Hepatitis B Meeting · Berlin, Germany · September 8–11, 2025About
I am a Ph.D. graduate researcher at the University of Southern California studying how hepatitis B virus e antigen induces changes to the metabolism of macrophages.
Experience
2022—Present
Graduate research
Ph.D. Graduate Researcher
Jing-Hsiung James Ou Lab · University of Southern California
Investigating HBeAg–macrophage interactions, TLR4 signaling, and the immunometabolic mechanisms that may contribute to hepatitis B virus persistence.
2020—2022
Research staff
Laboratory Technician
Jing-Hsiung James Ou Lab · University of Southern California
Developed and purified an APEX2–HBeAg fusion protein for proximity labeling studies and characterized inflammatory responses in macrophages.
2018—2020
Research staff
Laboratory Technician
Jae U. Jung Lab · University of Southern California
Supported virology research spanning Zika virus pathogenesis, HPV infection, KSHV biology, and thermostable measles vaccine development.
2015—2016
Teaching
General Chemistry Lab Teaching Assistant
Mills College
Supported undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students through laboratory demonstrations, technical guidance, and feedback.
Methods and techniques
Selected techniques documented in my CV and coauthored publications.
Molecular and protein methods
- Molecular cloning
- Bacterial transformation and protein expression in E. coli
- Affinity chromatography and affinity purification
- Protein dialysis
- Coomassie blue and silver staining
- Western blot
- Membrane flotation
- shRNA and siRNA gene silencing
- Proximity ligation assay
Cellular and immunological methods
- Cell culture
- RT-qPCR
- ELISA
- Immunofluorescence
- Immunohistochemistry
- Seahorse assay
- Flow cytometry
- Metabolomics
Virology and mouse models
- Mouse models
- Mouse colony management
- Tissue dissection and preparation
- Hydrodynamic injection
- Kupffer cell isolation
Education
2022—2027 (exp.)
Ph.D. training
Infectious Diseases, Immunology & Pathogenesis
University of Southern California
2014—2017
B.A., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mills College
Contact
Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California · Los Angeles, California