Biography:
Dr. Chu focuses on investigating the host and viral determinants of emerging
viral infection and pathogenesis, with an emphasis on highly pathogenic
coronaviruses. He has authored 123 publications with 48 of them as
first/co-first or corresponding author (Google Scholar: h-index 44; Citation
21,166), including last corresponding authored publication in Nature.
According to Clarivate Analytics' Essential Science Indicators, Dr. Chu is
ranked as one of the world's top 1% scholars by citations and as a "Highly
Cited Researcher" in 2021. His research is well supported by competitive
grants including RGC-GRF, HMRF, NSFC, RGC-CRF, TRS, and Health@InnoHK. As a
recognition of Dr. Chu’s track record on coronaviruses, he was awarded the
NSFC-Excellent Young Scientist Fund (Hong Kong and Macau) in 2021.
Research
Interests:
• Coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-1
• Virus-host interactions
o What host factors can coronaviruses use for virus entry?
o What host factors can coronaviruses use to promote virus
replication?
o What are the mechanisms that allow SARS-CoV-2 to spread more
efficiently than SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV?
• Viral pathogenesis
o How do the highly pathogenic coronaviruses cause severe diseases
in humans?
o How do the highly pathogenic coronaviruses cause cell/tissue
damage?
o What are the mechanisms behind the differential pathogenicity
between SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and
SARS-CoV-1?
o What are the determinants in the SARS-CoV-2 variants that dictate
their differential
transmissibility/pathogenicity in vivo?
Awards:
2021: Clarivate Analytics Essential Science Indicators (ESI) Highly Cited
Researcher
- One of 31 scholars at HKU in 2021
-
https://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_23587.html
2021: Clarivate Analytics Essential Science Indicators (ESI) top 1% cited
scholar
-
http://hub.hku.hk/local/top1pc/top1pc.jsp
2021: National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Excellent Young
Scientists Award (Hong Kong and Macau)
- The only scholar at HKUMed in 2021
-
https://www.hku.hk/press/c_news_detail_23146.html
2021: HKU Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine 2021 Research Output Price (as
co-first author)
-
http://www.rss.hku.hk/honours-awards/internal-awards/rop-winners
2021: Emerging Microbes & Infections 2020 Best Paper Award (1st Place) (as
co-first author)
Joining our team:
We are looking for motivated individuals to join us as post-doctoral
fellows, MPhil/PhD students, or research assistants. Interested
candidates please send a cover letter detailing your research interests and
CV to Hin Chu (hinchu@hku.hk).
Selected Publications:
2022
1. Chu H, Yuen KY. Pathogenicity of
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron. Clin Transl Med. 2022 May;12(5):e880. [IF:
11.492]
2. Chan JF, Chu H. Pathogenicity of
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1.1 in hamsters. EBioMedicine. 2022 Apr
28;80:104035. [IF: 8.143]
3. Zhang BZ, Shuai H, Gong HR, Hu JC, Yan B, Yuen
TT, Hu YF, Yoon C, Wang XL, Hou Y, Lin X, Huang X, Li R, Au-Yeung YM, Li W,
Hu B, Chai Y, Yue M, Cai JP, Ling GS, Hung IF, Yuen KY, Chan JF, Huang JD,
Chu H. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-induced trained immunity
protects against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in K18-hACE2 mice. JCI Insight.
2022 Apr 21:e157393. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.157393. [IF: 8.315]
4. Quan BX, Shuai H, Xia AJ, Hou Y, Zeng R, Liu XL,
Lin GF, Qiao JX, Li WP, Wang FL, Wang K, Zhou RJ, Yuen TT, Chen MX, Yoon C,
Wu M, Zhang SY, Huang C, Wang YF, Yang W, Tian C, Li WM, Wei YQ, Yuen KY,
Chan JF, Lei J, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Yang S#. An
orally available Mpro inhibitor is effective against wild-type SARS-CoV-2
and variants including Omicron. Nat Microbiol. 2022 Apr 27.
doi: 10.1038/s41564-022-01119-7. [IF: 17.745]
5. Chu H, Chan JF, Yuen KY. Animal
models in SARS-CoV-2 research. Nat Methods. 2022
Apr;19(4):392-394. [IF: 28.547]
6. Shuai H, Chan JF, Hu B, Chai Y, Yuen TT, Yin F,
Huang X, Yoon C, Hu JC, Liu H, Shi J, Liu Y, Zhu T, Zhang J, Hou Y, Wang Y,
Lu L, Cai JP, Zhang AJ, Zhou J, Yuan S, Brindley MA, Zhang BZ, Huang JD, To
KK, Yuen KY, Chu H. Attenuated replication and pathogenicity
of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 Omicron. Nature. 2022 Jan 21. doi:
10.1038/s41586-022-04442-5. [IF: 49.962]
7. Zhang X*, Chu H* (co-first author),
Chik KK*, Wen L, Shuai H, Yang D, Wang Y, Hou Y, Yuen TT, Cai JP, Yuan S,
Yin F, Yuen KY, Chan JF. hnRNP C modulates MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2
replication by governing the expression of a subset of circRNAs and
cognitive mRNAs. Emerg Microbes Infect. 2022
Dec;11(1):519-531. [IF: 7.163]
8. Chen Y, Li C, Liu F, Ye Z, Song W, Lee ACY,
Shuai H, Lu L, To KK, Chan JF, Zhang AJ, Chu H# (co-corresponding
author), Yuen KY. Age-associated SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection
and changes in immune response in mouse model. Emerg Microbes Infect.
2022 Jan 6;1-36. [IF: 7.163]
2021
9. Shuai H, Chan JF, Yuen TT, Yoon C, Hu JC, Wen L,
Hu B, Yang D, Wang Y, Hou Y, Huang X, Chai Y, Chan CC, Poon VK, Lu L, Zhang
RQ, Chan WM, Ip JD, Chu AW, Hu YF, Cai JP, Chan KH, Zhou J, Sridhar S, Zhang
BZ, Yuan S, Zhang AJ, Huang JD, To KK, Yuen KY, Chu H.
Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants expand species tropism to murines.
EBioMedicine. 2021 Oct 21;73:103643. [IF: 8.143]
10. Li W, Wang Y, Tang X, Yuen TT, Han X, Li J,
Huang N, Chan JF, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Wang L#.
Liquid Repellency Enabled Anti-Pathogen Coatings. Mater Today Bio.
2021 Oct 7;100145. [IF: 7.348]
11. Deng J*, Zhang BZ*, Chu H* (co-first
author), Wang XL, Wang Y, Gong HR, Li R, Yang D, Li C, Dou Y, Gao P,
Cai JP, Jin M, Du Q, Chan JF, Kao RY, Yuen KY, Huang JD. Adenosine synthase
A contributes to recurrent Staphylococcus aureus infection by dampening
protective immunity. EBioMedicine. 2021 Jul 28;70:103505.
[IF: 8.143]
12. Xie D*, Chu H* (co-first author),
Yang D*, Ding Q, Huang G, Chen L, Cai Z, Huang J, Zhao Z. A stark difference
in the profiles of defective viral transcripts between SARS-CoV-2 and
SARS-CoV. J Infect. 2021 Jun 30:S0163-4453(21)00315-7. [IF:
6.072]
13. Chu H*, Shuai H*, Hou Y, Zhang X,
Wen L, Huang X, Hu B, Yang D, Wang Y, Yoon C, Wong BH, Li C, Zhao X, Poon VK,
Cai JP, Wong KK, Yeung ML, Zhou J, Au-Yeung RK, Yuan S, Jin DY, Kok KH,
Perlman S, Chan JF, Yuen KY. Targeting highly pathogenic coronavirus-induced
apoptosis reduces viral pathogenesis and disease severity. Sci Adv.
2021 June 16;7(25):eabf8577. [IF: 14.136]
14. Chu H, Chan JF. A lethal mouse
model using a mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 strain with enhanced binding to mouse
ACE2 as an important platform for COVID-19 research. EBioMedicine.
2021 May 25;68:103406. [IF: 8.143]
15. Zhu P*, Wang Y*, Chu H# (co-corresponding
author), Wang L#. Superhydrophobicity preventing surface
contamination as a novel strategy against COVID-19. J Colloid
Interface Sci. 2021 May 11;600:613-619. [IF: 8.128]
16. Yang D*, Chu H* (co-first author),
Lu G, Shuai H, Wang Y, Hou Y, Zhang X, Huang X, Hu B, Chai Y, Yuen TT, Zhao
X, Lee AC, Ye Z, Li C, Chik KK, Zhang AJ, Zhou J, Yuan S, Chan JF.
STAT2-dependent restriction of Zika virus by human macrophages but not
dendritic cells. Emerg Microbes Infect. 2021 May 12:1-42.
[IF: 7.163]
17. Huang L*, Yuen TT*, Ye Z*, Liu S*, Zhang G,
Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Yue J#. Berbamine inhibits
SARS-CoV-2 infection by compromising TRPMLs-mediated endolysosomal
trafficking of ACE2. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2021. Apr
24;6:168. [IF: 18.187]
18. Chu H*, Hu B*, Huang X*, Chai Y*,
Zhou D, Wang Y, Shuai H, Yang D, Hou Y, Zhang X, Yuen TT, Cai JP, Zhang AJ,
Zhou J, Yuan S, To KK, Chan IH, Sit KY, Foo DC, Wong IY, Ng AT, Cheung TT,
Law S, Au WK, Brindley MA, Chen Z, Kok KH, Chan JF, Yuen KY. Host and viral
determinants for efficient SARS-CoV-2 infection of the human lung. Nat
Commun. 2021 Jan 8;12(1):134. [IF: 14.919]
2020
19. Chu H*, Chan JF*, Wang Y*, Yuen
TT*, Chai Y, Shuai H, Yang D, Hu B, Huang X, Zhang X, Hou Y, Cai JP, Zhang
AJ, Zhou J, Yuan S, To KK, Hung IF, Cheung TT, Ng AT, Chan IH, Wong IY, Law
SY, Foo DC, Leung WK, Yuen KY. SARS-CoV-2 induces a more robust innate
immune response and replicates less efficiently than SARS-CoV in the human
intestines: an ex vivo study with implications on pathogenesis of COVID-19.
Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Oct
1;S2352-345X(20)30160-0. [IF: 9.225]
20. Zhang BZ*, Chu H*# (co-first,
co-corresponding author), Han S*, Shuai H*, Deng J, Hu YF, Gong HR,
Lee AC, Zou Z, Yau T, Wu W, Hung IF, Chan JF, Yuen KY#, Huang JD#.
SARS-CoV-2 infects human neural progenitor cells and brain organoids.
Cell Res. 2020 Aug 4:1-4. [IF: 25.617]
21. Shuai H*, Chu H* (co-first author),
Hou Y*, Yang D, Wang Y, Hu B, Huang X, Zhang X, Chai Y, Cai JP, Chan JF,
Yuen KY. Differential immune activati¬on profile of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV
infection in human lung and intestinal cells: implications for treatment
with IFN-β and IFN inducer. J Infect. 2020 Jul
21:S0163-4453(20)30490-4. [IF: 6.072]
22. Zhang AJ*, Lee AC*, Chu H* (co-first
author), Chan JF, Fan Z, Li C, Liu F, Chen Y, Yuan S, Poon VK, Chan
CC, Cai JP, Wu KL, Sridhar S, Chan YS, Yuen KY. SARS-CoV-2 infects and
damages the mature and immature olfactory sensory neurons of hamsters.
Clin Infect Dis. 2020 Jul 15:ciaa995. [IF: 9.079]
23. Yang D*, Chu H* (co-first author),
Hou Y, Chai Y, Shuai H, Lee AC, Zhang X, Wang Y, Hu B, Huang X, Yuen TT, Cai
JP, Zhou J, Yuan S, Zhang AJ, Chan JF, Yuen KY. Attenuated interferon and
pro-inflammatory response in SARS-CoV-2-infected human dendritic cells is
associated with viral antagonism of STAT1 phosphorylation. J Infect
Dis. 2020 Jun 21:jiaa356. [IF: 5.226]
24. Chu H*, Yuen TT*, Chik KK, Yuan
S, Shuai H, Zou Z, Wang Y, Zhu Z, Yang D, Poon VK, Chan CC, Zhou J, Yin F,
Kok KH, Yuen KY, Chan JF. Targeting the inositol-requiring enzyme-1 pathway
efficiently reverts Zika virus-induced neurogenesis and spermatogenesis
marker perturbations. ACS Infect Dis. 2020 May 21. doi:
10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00526. [IF: 5.084]
25. Chu H*, Chan JF*, Yuen TT*, Shuai
H*, Yuan S, Wang Y, Hu B, Yip CC, Tsang JO, Huang X, Chai Y, Yang D, Hou Y,
Chik KK, Zhang X, Fung AY, Tsoi HW, Cai JP, Chan WM, Ip JD, Chu AW, Zhou J,
Lung DC, Kok KH, To KK, Tsang OT, Chan KH, Yuen KY. Comparative tropism,
replication kinetics, and cell damage profiling of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV
with implications for clinical manifestations, transmissibility, and
laboratory studies of COVID-19: an observational study. Lancet Microbe.
2020 April 21. doi: 10.1016/S2666-5247(20)30004-5. [IF: not yet
available]
26. Chu H*, Chan JF*, Wang Y*, Yuen
TT*, Chai Y, Hou Y, Shuai H, Yang D, Hu B, Huang X, Zhang X, Cai JP, Zhou J,
Yuan S, Kok KH, To KK, Chan IH, Zhang AJ, Sit KY, Au WK, Yuen KY.
Comparative replication and immune activation profiles of SARS-CoV-2 and
SARS-CoV in human lungs: an ex vivo study with implications for the
pathogenesis of COVID-19. Clin Infect Dis. 2020 Apr 9. pii:
ciaa410. [IF: 9.079]
27. Zhang X*, Chu H* (co-first author),
Wen L, Shuai H, Yang D, Wang Y, Hou Y, Zhu Z, Yuan S, Yin F, Chan JF, Yuen
KY. Competing endogenous RNA network profiling reveals novel host dependency
factors required for MERS-CoV propagation. Emerg Microbes Infect.
2020 Dec;9(1):733-746. [IF: 7.163]
28. Chan JF*, Kok KH*, Zhu Z*, Chu H*
(co-first author), To KK, Yuan S, Yuen KY. Genomic characterization
of the 2019 novel human-pathogenic coronavirus isolated from a patient with
atypical pneumonia after visiting Wuhan. Emerg Microbes Infect.
2020 Jan 28;9(1):221-236. [IF: 7.163]
29. Chan JF*, Yuan S*, Kok KH*, To KK*, Chu
H* (co-first author), Yang J, Xing F, Liu J, Yip CC, Poon RW, Tsoi
HW, Lo SK, Chan KH, Poon VK, Chan WM, Ip JD, Cai JP, Cheng VC, Chen H, Hui
CK, Yuen KY. A familial cluster of pneumonia associated with the 2019 novel
coronavirus indicating person-to-person transmission: a study of a family
cluster. Lancet. 2020 Feb 15;395(10223):514-523. [IF:
79.321]
2019
30. Yan B*, Zou Z*, Chu H* (co-first author),
Chan G, Tsang JO, Lai PM, Yuan S, Yip CC, Yin F, Kao RY, Sze KH, Lau SK,
Chan JF, Yuen KY. Lipidomic profiling reveals significant perturbations of
intracellular lipid homeostasis in enterovirus-infected cells. Int J
Mol Sci. 2019 Nov 26;20(23). pii: E5952. [IF: 5.923]
31. Zhao X*, Chu H* (co-first author),
Wong BH*, Chiu MC, Wang D, Li C, Liu X, Yang D, Poon VK, Cai J, Chan JF, To
KK, Zhou J, Yuen KY. Activation of C-type lectin receptor and (RIG)-I-like
receptors contributes to proinflammatory response in MERS coronavirus
infected macrophages. J Infect Dis. 2019 Sep 28. pii: jiz483.
[IF: 5.226]
32. Lee ACY*, Zhang AJX*, Chu H* (co-first
author), Li C, Zhu H, Mak WWN, Chen Y, Kok KH, To KKW, Yuen KY. H7N9
influenza A virus activation of necroptosis in human monocytes links innate
and adaptive immune responses. Cell Death Dis. 2019 Jun
5;10(6):442. [IF: 8.469]
33. Zhu Z*, Chu H* (co-first author),
Wen L, Yuan S, Chik KK, Yuen TT, Yip CC, Wang D, Zhou J, Yin F, Jin DY, Kok,
KH, Yuen KY, Chan JF. SUMO modification of the non-structural protein 5 of
Zika virus via binding with a conserved N-terminal SUMO-interacting motif
supports virus replication and suppresses type I interferon signaling.
Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Jan 17;20(2). [IF: 5.923]
34. Yan B*, Chu H* (co-first author),
Yang D*, Sze KH*, Lai PM, Yuan S, Shuai H, Wang Y, Kao RY, Chan JF, Yuen KY.
Characterization of the lipidomic profile of human coronavirus-infected
cells: implications on lipid metabolism remodeling upon coronavirus
replication. Viruses. 2019 Jan 16;11(1). [IF: 5.048]
35. Yuan S*, Chu H* (co-first author),
Chan JF*, Ye ZW, Wen L, Yan B, Lai PM, Huang J, Tee KM, Chen D, Li C, Zhao
X, Yang D, Chiu MC, Yip CC, Poon VK, Chan CC, Sze KH, Zhou J, Chan IH, To KK,
Kao RY, Lau JY, Perlman S, Yuen KY. Targeting the SREBP-dependent lipidomic
reprogramming by virus infection for broad-spectrum therapeutic
intervention. Nat Commun. 2019 Jan 10;10(1):120. [IF:
14.919]
2018
36. Zhang K, Li C, Luo Y, Wen L, Wang D, Wong BH,
Zhao X, Chiu MC, Yuan S, Ye Z, Zhao H, Zhang XM, He J, Bose M, Henrickson
KJ, Huang JD, Zheng B, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Zhou
J#. Establishment and characterization of a lethal aged mouse model of human
respiratory syncytial virus. Antiviral Res. 2018 Nov
29;161:125-133. [IF: 5.970]
37. Chan JF*, Zhu Z*, Chu H* (co-first
author), Yuan S, Chik KK, Chan CC, Poon VK, Yip CC, Zhang X, Tsang
JO, Zou Z, Tee KM, Shuai H, Lu G, Yuen KY. The celecoxib derivative kinase
inhibitor AR-12 (OSU-03012) inhibits Zika virus via down-regulation of the
PI3K/Akt pathway and protects Zika =irus-infected A129 mice: a host
targeting treatment strategy. Antiviral Res. 2018
Dec;160:38-47. [IF: 5.970]
38. Chu H*, Chan CM*, X Zhang*, Wang
Y, Yuan S, Zhou J, Au-Yueng RK, Sze KH, Yang D, Shuai H, Hou Y, Li C, Zhao
X, Poon VK, Leung SP, Yeung ML, Yan J, Lu G, Jin DY, Gao GF, Chan JF, Yuen
KY. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and bat coronavirus HKU9
both can utilize GRP78 for attachment onto host cells. J Biol Chem.
2018 Jul 27;293(30):11709-11726. [IF: 5.157]
2017
39. Ye ZW, Yuan S, Poon KM, Wen L, Yang D, Sun Z,
Li C, Hu M, Shuai H, Zhou J, Zhang MY, Zheng BJ, Chu H#
(co-corresponding author) and Yuen KY#. Antibody-dependent
cell-mediated cytotoxicity epitopes on the hemagglutinin head-region of
pandemic H1N1 influenza virus play detrimental roles in H1N1-infected mice.
Front Immunol. 2017 Mar 21;8:317. [IF: 7.561]
40. Hu M, Yuan S, Ye ZW, Singh K, Li C, Shuai H,
Fai N, Chow BK, Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Zheng BJ#.
PAN substitutions A37S, A37S/I61T and A37S/V63I attenuate the replication of
H7N7 influenza A virus by impairing the polymerase and endonuclease
activities. J Gen Virol. 2017 Mar;98(3):364-373. [IF:
3.891]
2016
41. Hu M, Yuan S, Zhang K, Singh K, Ma Q, Zhou J,
Chu H# (co-corresponding author), Zheng BJ#. PB2 substitutions
V598T/I increase the virulence of H7N9 influenza A virus in mammals.
Virology. 2016 Nov 24;501:92-101. [IF: 3.616]
42. Chan CM*, Chu H* (co-first author),
Wang Y, Wong BH, Zhao X, Zhou J, Yang D, Leung SP, Chan JF, Yeung ML, Yan J,
Lu G, Gao GF, Yuen KY. Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion
molecule 5 (CEACAM5) is an important surface attachment factor facilitating
the entry of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
J Virol. 2016 Sep 29;90(20):9114-27. [IF: 5.103]
43. Chu H, Zhou J, Wong BH, Li C,
Chan JF, Cheng ZS, Yang D, Wang D, Lee AC, Li C, Yeung ML, Cai J, Chan IH,
Ho WK, To KK, Zheng BJ, Yao Y, Qin C, Yuen KY. Middle East respiratory
syndrome coronavirus efficiently infects human primary T lymphocytes and
activates both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways. J
Infect Dis. 2016 Mar 15;213(6):904-14. [IF: 5.226]
2014
44. Chu H*, Zhou J*, Wong BH, Li C,
Cheng ZS, Lin X, Poon VK, Sun T, Lau CC, Chan JF, To KK, Chan KH, Lu L,
Zheng BJ, Yuen KY. Productive replication of Middle East respiratory
syndrome coronavirus in monocyte-derived dendritic cells modulates innate
immune response. Virology. 2014 Apr;454-455:197-205. [IF:
3.616]
45. Zhou J*, Chu H* (co-first author),
Li C, Wong BH, Cheng ZS, Poon VK, Sun T, Lau CC, Wong KK, Chan JY, Chan JF,
To KK, Chan KH, Zheng BJ, Yuen KY. Active replication of Middle East
respiratory syndrome coronavirus and aberrant induction of inflammatory
cytokines and chemokines in human macrophages: implications for
pathogenesis. J Infect Dis. 2014 May;209(9):1331-42. [IF:
5.226]
2012
46. Chu H, Wang JJ, Qi M, Yoon JJ,
Chen X, Wen X, Hammonds J, Ding L, Spearman P. Tetherin/BST-2 is essential
for the formation of the intracellular virus-containing compartment in
HIV-infected macrophages. Cell Host Microbe. 2012 Sep
13;12(3):360-72. [IF: 21.023]
47. Chu H, Wang JJ, Qi M, Yoon JJ, Wen X, Chen X,
Ding L, Spearman P. The intracellular virus-containing compartments in
primary human macrophages are largely inaccessible to antibodies and small
molecules. PLoS One. 2012;7(5):e35297. [IF: 3.240]
2009
48. Chu H, Wang JJ, Spearman P. Human
immunodeficiency virus type-1 gag and host vesicular trafficking pathways.
Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 2009;339:67-84. Review. [IF:
4.291]
