Dr. Hao Wu

Biography

Hao Wu is a professor at Boston Children's Hospital and the Asa Patricia Springer Professor of Structural Biology. His research lab, focusing on structural mechanistic immunology, aims to elucidate mechanisms governing the assembly and regulation of supramolecular complexes in innate immunity. His work emphasizes the importance of structural insights to tackle complex biological questions. Currently, his research centers on inflammasomes, which are cellular machines that activate inflammatory caspases. The activated caspases process interleukin-1 family cytokines via the pore-forming protein gasdermin D (GSDMD), resulting in the release of mature cytokines and pyroptotic cell death. Furthermore, he studies the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways, which form key pillars in his research program. His work utilizes cryo-electron microscopy and biophysical methods to comprehend molecular complexes, guides structure-directed discovery of therapeutics for immune diseases and cancer, and employs cellular imaging tools to investigate the assembly of supramolecular complexes. His studies contribute significantly to the understanding of innate immunity and have implications in therapeutic development for aging and lifestyle-related diseases, as well as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic diseases.

Research Interests