My research goal is to further our understanding of HIV-1 biology, especially the molecular mechanisms of replication, interaction with the cell, and evasion of host immunity. My specific interests include the host factor requirements for HIV-1 replication, which will help in the development of new antiviral therapies targeting HIV-1 and also will help to improve developing animal models to study HIV-1 biology. Recently, I have focused on early steps of HIV-1 infection, especially the nuclear entry process. Despite efforts by numerous research groups, the molecular mechanisms underlying HIV-1 uncoating and nuclear import remain unclear. In the course of my studies, I discovered that HIV-1 can utilize distinct nuclear entry pathways and HIV-1 capsid (CA) is a crucial viral determinant regulating nuclear entry. I am currently investigating host proteins that may have roles in uncoating and nuclear entry during HIV-1 replication. This effort to understand the early steps of HIV-1 infection will provide a more complete understanding of HIV pathogenesis and further aid in the development of new therapeutic drugs.