Ying Fang, PhD
Department of Pathobiology
University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana
Title: Novel Mechanisms in Nidovirus Replication: from Basic to Translational Research
Abstract: Professor Ying Fang is a pioneer and world-renowned leader in studying the replication and pathogenesis of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV; belongs to arterivirus family, a sister group of coronaviruses under the order of Nidovirales). PRRSV is one of the most economically important swine viral pathogens worldwide. Prof. Fang constructed the first reverse genetic system of an emerging North American PRRSV-1 and developed diagnostic assays and vaccines in aid of disease control and prevention programs. Her laboratory was the first to conduct in-depth studies on the structure-function of PRRSV replicases, which led to her later discoveries of novel PRRSV proteins and unprecedented viral replication mechanisms. These findings have significant impacts on the current understanding of PRRSV biology, pathogenesis, and host immunity. Besides her outstanding contributions to basic science, Prof. Fang’s research has also resulted in commercial products and technologies that have directly benefited the livestock industry.
Bio: Dr. Ying Fang is a professor at the Department of Pathobiology. She obtained her PhD degree in Biological Science in 2004 from South Dakota State University. Right after she completed her PhD degree, she was appointed as an Assistant Professor at the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Vaccinology at South Dakota State University in January 2005. In 2013, Dr. Fang moved to Kansas State University and served as Associate Professor and Full Professor. In 2019, Dr. Fang joined the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a Full Professor. Dr. Fang’s research has mainly focused on Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), the most economically significant viral pathogen of the global swine industry. In addition, she has applied her expertise in the research areas of other emerging animal/zoonotic viruses.