[Scientific Lecture] Advancing Viral Research from Bench to Bedside

On 27 April 2026, the HKU-Pasteur Research Pole and the HKU LKS Faculty of Medicine will host a Scientific Lecture bringing together two complementary perspectives on viral diseases : ranging from clinical biomarker discovery to comparative pathology in animal models, invited by Pr. Sook-San Wong.

This session will feature Pr. Pooi-Fong Wong (Universiti Malaya), who will present her work on “Evaluation of immune-endothelial activation markers for the differentiation of severe dengue.” Dengue remains a major public health burden in Southeast Asia, with clinical outcomes spanning from mild febrile illness to severe, life-threatening complications. A central challenge in patient management lies in the early identification of severe cases. Professor Wong’s research focuses on identifying biomarkers differentially expressed in severe dengue, with the aim of improving risk stratification, clinical triage, and patient care. Her work sits at the interface of molecular pharmacology and translational medicine, contributing to more precise and responsive healthcare strategies during outbreaks.

The lecture will also feature Pr. Fabian Lean (City University of Hong Kong), who will present on “Comparative Pathology in Animal and Zoonotic Viral Diseases.” His research explores how pathological approaches can elucidate host susceptibility and mechanisms of viral pathogenesis. By examining tissue- and cell-specific receptor expression—such as ACE2 and APN—across species, his work sheds light on host tropism and viral evolution. Drawing on experimental models, including a ferret model of Rift Valley fever virus infection, he will illustrate how respiratory exposure can lead to systemic dissemination and neuroinvasion. His presentation will also highlight the critical role of histopathology in validating animal models and ensuring the reliability of experimental findings.

Together, these two talks underscore the importance of integrating clinical and experimental approaches to better understand viral diseases. From identifying predictive biomarkers in human populations to contextualizing infection mechanisms in animal models, this lecture offers a comprehensive perspective on current challenges and innovations in infectious disease research.

📅 Date: 27 April 2026

🕓 Time: 04:30 PM – 05:30 PM

📍 Venue: SRIB, HKJC Building for Interdisciplinary Research, HKU