Dr. Chen focuses on exploring the functions of critical replicase proteins involved in the pathogenesis of life-threatening pathogens (Cytomegalovirus, Coronaviruses and Enterovirus 71, etc.) employing the structural biology approaches. He also performs structure-based inhibitor design, aiming at developing effective antiviral lead compounds. As shown below, Fig. 1 illustrates the crystal structure of Enterovirus 71 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase in complex with its primer precursor peptide VPg. Fig. 2 depicts the structure of feline infectious peritonitis virus main protease in complex with a structure-based inhibitor N3.

Figure 1. Crystal structure of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (3D) in complex with its primer precursor peptide VPg (PDB entry 4IKA) and alignment with the structure of Cosackievirus B3 (CVB3) 3D-VPg complex (PDB entry 3CDW) and Poliovirus apo 3D (PDB entry 1RDR).

Figure 2. Crystal structure of feline infectious peritonitis virus main protease in complex with a structure-based inhibitor N3 (PDB entry 5EU8).