Newly identified factors shown to be important in leading virus entry, survival and release are cellular ion channels, proteins that act as a pore in the membranes of all cells within the body, permitting the selective passage of ions (such as potassium ions, sodium ions, and calcium ions). Through controlling ion passage, these channels serve many critically important cellular functions including chemical signaling, the regulation of pH, and the regulation of cell volume. Malfunction of ion channels can cause diseases in many tissues. Research in my laboratory focuses on understanding the interaction between clinically important human viruses with cellular ion channels. These studies will allow a better understanding of the host cell processes that viruses require in order to survive.